Bangkok: The National Police Chief has embraced the concept of drug suppression, aligning with Thaksin Shinawatra’s recent address. Pol. Gen. Kittiratt Panpetch emphasized the necessity for collaboration between police forces and administrative sectors to tackle drug issues effectively.

According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Gen. Kittiratt Panpetch, following a meeting with Prime Minister Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, reiterated the importance of joint efforts in addressing the drug problem after Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra’s lecture at the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB). The focus remains on community-level drug suppression, with a strategic plan initiated during his tenure as acting national police chief in April-May 2024. This plan involved detailed inspections and mobilization of resources, leading to several crackdowns and numerous arrests since May 2024. The ongoing efforts align with the concepts outlined in Mr. Thaksin’s lecture.

The police operations, in collaboration with the ONCB and administrative bodies, aim to ensure drug-free communities and villages. This comprehensive approach is reinforced by the Prime Minister’s “Seal Stop Safe” policy, which focuses on intercepting drug smuggling via land, water, air, and parcels. The establishment of checkpoints with advanced inspection equipment is part of this strategy, targeting drug storage areas and cutting off supply lines to paralyze drug transport networks. The Prime Minister has emphasized making this issue a national agenda.

Pol. Gen. Kittiratt further elaborated on the necessity for police and administrative cooperation, likening their partnership to “Patongo,” a traditional fried dough stick, symbolizing the need for seamless collaboration. He stressed that officials, from governors to police commanders, must work together to address community concerns comprehensively, beyond just drug-related issues.