Illicit Drug use in the Asia Pacific Region - Burnet Institute

Situational analysis of illicit drug issues and responses in the Asia–Pacific region
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2 .11 .6 Country responses
Policy and legislation
Agreements and treaties 1961, 1971, 1988 UN Drug Conventions . Signatory
to ACCORD strategy of a drug-free ASEAN by 2015
National drug
‘War on Drugs’ Policy
control policy
Main drug control Drug User Rehabilitation Act 2002
legislation
Drug control policy Office of the Narcotics Control Board
lead agency
Law enforcement bodies Thai Police
Drug use addressed in last Yes
National HIV/AIDS Plan
Possession of
Yes
N&S unlawful
Harm reduction Limited harm reduction services operate in Thailand,
these include pilot NSPs, drop-in centres and peer outreach .
Acceptance
Uncertain
of HR approach
Needle and syringe Yes (limited)
programs (NSPs)
Peer-based approaches Yes
Supply reduction Supply reduction is focused on law enforcement efforts
directed at drug selling, production and trafficking .
Crop eradication Yes
Demand reduction A major focus of Thailand drug policy is encouraging drug
users into treatment . Treatment involves medical treatment
as well as both mental and physical rehabilitation .
Treatment There are official treatment centres and many programs
run by public and private hospitals, as well as private clinics
and NGO programs . In 2003, many drug users were treated
in short-term military-style camps where physical activity,
discipline and absence from drugs were enforced . Some
monasteries conduct detoxification programs that combine
spirituality and meditation .
Voluntary or self-referral Yes
Compulsory Yes
Methadone for
Yes
detoxification
Substitution therapy No
Most common type Detoxification and military-style camps
of treatment provided
Primary prevention Yes
School-based education Yes
Community education Yes
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Country summaries: Thailand