Bangkok: The Prime Minister has initiated a comprehensive plan involving five strategic models aimed at addressing the drug problem across the nation. This initiative, known as the ‘Thawachburi Model,’ will be piloted in 10 provinces, setting a precedent for the rest of the country.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, the Prime Minister, shared these developments on social media following her visit to Roi Et Province on November 1, 2024. During her visit, she chaired a meeting in Tha Wachi District, Roi Et Province, where she designated the district as a nationwide pilot area for implementing the model. The plan involves expanding the Thawatchaburi model to various regions, beginning with 10 selected provinces: Chiang Mai, Uthai Thani, Pathum Thani, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Rayong, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Trang, and Narathiwat.
The Prime Minister’s strategy includes several key actions. Firstly, the Office of the Narcotics Control Board is tasked with creating a
dashboard to provide updated information and act as a central database for information sharing among all parties involved. Secondly, the plan involves disrupting major drug trafficking networks, targeting areas with high drug prevalence by cracking down on dealers, seizing and freezing assets, and taking decisive actions.
Furthermore, the initiative calls for a collaborative effort in treatment, involving the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, local administrative bodies, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Public Health, the police, and the military. This integrated approach aims to increase the number of hospitals to ensure adequate treatment facilities. Lastly, the plan includes providing vocational training to prevent relapse into drug use, with a request to establish sufficient vocational training centers across the country.