NCJ Number
182032
Journal
Drug and Alcohol Review Volume: 19 Issue: 1 Dated: March 2000 Pages: 17-26
Date Published
March 2000
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This article examines the role of government and the police in the drug situation in Thailand.
Abstract
Thailand has used several strategies to control the drug problem, including promulgating and amending drug laws, implementing drug suppression and prevention policies, cooperating with international organizations and developing treatment facilities. Although Thailand has recently succeeded in reducing the opium cultivation area in the Golden Triangle and in arresting some major drug traffickers, three important issues remain: (1) the continuing use of Thailand’s advanced transportation system for illicit drug activities; (2) the rapid increase of amphetamine use among teenagers; and (3) Thai police officers’ lack of concern about the drug problem and insufficient knowledge about drug laws. The article concludes that the Thai government must emphasize drug prevention strategies and interception of illicit drugs transport, and must motivate police officers to more adequately enforce drug laws. In addition, more research is needed to measure the effectiveness of drug prevention strategies and treatment programs. Tables, notes, references