Thailand's Policies and Measures on Narcotics Control (From Drug Policies in Western Europe, P 49-61, 1989, Hans-Jorg Albrecht and Anton van Kalmthout, eds. -- See NCJ-120465)

• NCJ Number: 124070
• Author(s): C Yodmani
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 13 pages
• Sale Source: Max-Planck-Institute Fur Auslandisches und Internationales Strafrecht
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: West Germany (Former)

Annotation

Drug issues in Thailand are examined in terms of the nature and extent of the drug problem, drug production and trafficking, and current and future government policies.

Abstract

The drug problem in Thailand consists not only of addiction but also of the cultivation of opium poppies, marijuana and the kratom plant, and of drug trafficking. Drug production and trafficking both increased in 1987. Trafficking also included chemicals used in drug production. Thailand's policy initially focused on law enforcement, but more recently treatment and prevention have received added emphasis. Control efforts focus on crop eradication through cutting and burning, crop replacement and community development to provide alternatives to drug production, and interdiction of supplies. The government is also providing preventive information and information through the schools and media and the provision of four stages of treatment as well as cooperating closely with other countries. Future policies are likely to maintain this emphasis as well as to try to increase the role of nongovernmental organizations.