The Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB) is ardently setting the stage to materialize Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s bold vision of eradicating drugs and their trafficking in Thailand’s 25 most afflicted provinces, all within a whirlwind three months. This ambitious goal, communicated to the cabinet on May 7, underscores that tackling illegal drugs is not just a priority but a national imperative.
In a spirited conversation with the Bangkok Post, NSB commissioner Pol Lt Gen Khirisak Tantinvachai expressed unwavering confidence in achieving the prime minister’s target. “I’m confident the NSB will be able to accomplish the prime minister’s goal by the deadline,” he declared, with a determined gleam in his eye. “I believe in the possibility of the plan, with impressive results expected every 90 days.”
Pol Lt Gen Khirisak emphasized that setting such deadlines is standard operating procedure for NSB officers, who are persistently at the forefront of drug crackdowns. “Our officers are no strangers to high-stakes deadlines,” he remarked. The revised Narcotics Act of Dec 8, 2021, meticulously classifies narcotic substances and emphasizes both rehabilitation and stringent legal proceedings, a move inspired by United Nations guidelines.
“A quarterly assessment over an annual one better curtails the spread of narcotics,” elaborated Pol Lt Gen Khirisak. “Regular evaluations effectively dampen the chances of drugs proliferating across the country.”
The NSB has a repertoire of strategies aimed at curbing the drug menace, one of which involves stringent control over reactant substances like benzyl cyanide, sodium cyanide, sulphuric acid, aniline, acetonitrile, methanol, chloroform, and toluene. He pointed out that these chemicals often slip past authorities by masquerading as shipments bound for fictitious factories in places such as Yangon.
One notable victory came when NSB officers intercepted over 90 tonnes of such reactant substances at Laem Chabang pier in Chon Buri on June 7. The vessel, which set sail from Busan, South Korea on May 29, was deceitfully destined for a non-existent factory in Myanmar. “Had this vessel reached its destination, it could have produced at least 270 million methamphetamine pills,” Pol Lt Gen Khirisak warned. Those substances could also have fed the production lines for crystal meth, known as ‘ya ice’, and even cocaine.
The sheer scale of these operations is staggering. Just last year, authorities seized an eye-popping 720 million methamphetamine pills, with the first three quarters of this year seeing a confiscation of 800 million pills.
One of the NSB’s successful strategies involves capturing small-scale dealers. These initial arrests often unravel the fabric of larger drug networks, enabling law enforcement to target and dismantle major operations. “We often hit 80% of the big networks, those with at least 500,000 methamphetamine pills in stock, and 48% of the smaller ones,” Pol Lt Gen Khirisak explained. This approach has even led to successful raids on 10% of drug networks at the community level.
Despite the fact that the bulk of narcotics are manufactured near the borders, Pol Lt Gen Khirisak noted a growing concern about the infiltration of drugs into downtown areas. “Dealers have become smarter, directly transporting their goods to urban zones,” he noted. Soldiers guard the borders, while the police, particularly the NSB, are laser-focused on urban drug suppression.
The government, alongside state agencies, is vigorously attacking drug problems in the 25 high-risk provinces, including major areas like Bangkok, Chon Buri, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Surat Thani. The Southern provinces of Narathiwat, Yala, Pattani, Satun, and Songkhla are also on high alert.
In an innovative pilot program spearheaded by Pol Gen Kraiboon Suadsong, provinces like Roi Et and Nan, both noted for elevated narcotic usage, are receiving targeted interventions. Pol Lt Gen Khirisak stressed the need for more officers and larger budgets to ensure the project’s success. With relentless dedication, the NSB and other law enforcement agencies work tirelessly to bring this ambitious anti-narcotics vision to life.
I’m skeptical about this crackdown working in just three months. It’s a huge task, and previous efforts haven’t been successful.
I agree. This feels like political grandstanding more than a realistic goal.
Maybe, but the new strategies could be more effective. Let’s give them a chance before we judge.
We’ve got to do something about the drug problem. Even if three months is ambitious, any progress is good.
I agree progress is good, but setting unrealistic deadlines can lead to cutting corners or faulty measures.
Yeah, Sarah, it’s a double-edged sword. If they rush, they might overlook important steps.
The focus on chemical reactants is spot on. Cut off the supply chain and the production stops.
True, but it’s easier said than done. They always find a way around restrictions.
Correct. It’s a constant game of cat and mouse. The smugglers are very resourceful.
Stopping chemical reactants might not be the whole solution. Education and providing opportunities are key too.
Tackling drug networks is definitely a priority, but I’m worried about civil liberties being infringed upon during these crackdowns.
Yes, that’s a valid concern. There’s always a risk of overreach when law enforcement is given too much leeway.
But if it keeps our communities safe, isn’t it worth it?
I understand safety is important, but we need to balance it with protecting individual rights.
Why only focus on certain provinces? Drugs are a nationwide issue!
Maybe they’re starting with the worst areas first. Makes tactical sense.
I get that, but resources and attention might be diverted from places that also need it.
The seizure of those reactant substances was a major win. Imagine all those drugs off the streets!
It was a win, but it’s one battle in a much larger war.
True, but it’s inspiring to see such decisive action.
The whole ’25 provinces in 3 months’ approach feels like a PR stunt. Can’t be that simple.
I think it’s genuine. The NSB has had some major successes in the past; we should support their efforts.
Anyone consider the human cost? What happens to the addicts who get caught up in these crackdowns?
That’s why rehabilitation is so crucial. The new Narcotics Act focuses on that as well.
I hope the rehabilitation programs are robust and well-funded.
Are there examples of other countries successfully implementing similar strategies?
It’s great they’re focusing on the cities too. Drugs are spreading everywhere quickly.
I worry that poorer regions will be neglected in favor of the cities with higher media attention.
Let’s see how this pans out. If they pull this off, it could be a model for other countries.
Ambitious, yes. But ambition is needed when the problem is this big.
Isn’t it interesting how all this effort goes into tackling supply, but demand is often seen as a side issue?
Both need to be addressed simultaneously. It’s a comprehensive problem.
Agreed. More investment in education and preventative measures would help.