Navy drug-rehab school celebrates 2nd class of ‘clean’ grads

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The Royal Thai Navy’s drug rehab school in Sattahip has graduated its second class of reformed addicts, sending 250 people arrested for narcotics use back to their families where it’s hoped they will remain clean.

Capt. Udom Pratathayang, principal of Wiwat Polamuang School, congratulated the 250 people for completing their 120-day drug rehabilitation program at the Air and Coastal Defense Command facility July 1. Puangchomphu Premprasert, deputy director of the Rayong Probation Office, Chaiyut Siriwattanasakul of the Chachoengsao Probation Office and Hatairat Hanchamnak from the Samut Prakan Probation Office, all presented certificates to graduates.

Capt. Udom Pratathayang, principal of Wiwat Polamuang School, congratulates 250 people for completing their 120-day drug rehabilitation program. Capt. Udom Pratathayang, principal of Wiwat Polamuang School, congratulates 250 people for completing their 120-day drug rehabilitation program.

Bunsong Chantimo, deputy abbot at Thepprasit Temple and four other monks prayed and blessed the graduates, wishing them good luck before sending them back out into the world. All the students pledged an oath to a portrait of HM the King that they will stay away from drugs.

Udom said the students underwent both physical and mental rehabilitation due to the degenerative impact of drugs. All people, he said, deserve a second chance and the school works to make addicts productive again. For that reason, drug users are sometimes sent to Wiwat Polamuang rather than prison.