Bangkok: “Phumtham” has called for a nationwide meeting of governors and police chiefs, emphasizing the urgency of attendance by warning that non-attendees will be immediately transferred. The meeting aims to develop a network of village defense volunteers to address the growing drug problem, while also targeting corrupt politicians and businessmen implicated in the issue. Additionally, the police are preparing arrest warrants for monks and laywomen involved in financial violations, indicating a shift in handling religious figures suspected of criminal activities.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, chaired the meeting to set forth policies for combating the drug crisis. The meeting was held at Meeting Room 1, Sisaket Irrigation Project, with Mr. Anupong Suksomnit, Governor of Sisaket Province, reporting on the province’s strict implementation of government policies.
Mr. Phumtham expressed his commitment to addressing the drug problem, which he considers as critical as economic issues. He emphasized the importance of community satisfaction with anti-drug measures and stated that merely achieving arrest figures does not equate to success if the public is not supportive.
The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted a new approach to security that includes addressing religious and financial crimes. He noted that recent events in the Sangha society have led to a harsher stance against monks and laywomen involved in financial offenses.
Mr. Phumtham urged all provincial governors and police chiefs to attend the July 17 meeting, stressing the importance of unified efforts across all levels of government. He warned of immediate transfers for those who fail to attend without a valid excuse, such as medical reasons.
The Deputy Prime Minister outlined the role of Village Defense Volunteers, numbering between 600,000 and 700,000, as crucial in national protection efforts. He called for a systematic approach to leverage these volunteers in combating drug-related threats.
Mr. Phumtham also addressed the need for strict enforcement against influential figures and illegal entertainment venues linked to drug activities. He emphasized that tackling the drug problem is a national agenda that requires coordination with the Ministry of Public Health for rehabilitation efforts.
Reflecting on his previous tenure as minister in 2004, Mr. Phumtham recalled the successful elimination of drug problems and stressed the importance of both rewards and punishments in addressing current issues. He called for the abolition of cannabis and kratom, citing public disapproval and the negative impact on Thailand’s reputation.
Finally, Mr. Phumtham advocated for the establishment of a public network to aid in drug prevention and crime deterrence, urging provinces to actively search for those involved in drug activities.