Bangkok:Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has initiated a six-month campaign to combat drug trafficking and tighten cannabis regulations. In a meeting at Government House, he chaired the 3rd gathering of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) for 2026, which included ministers and executives from relevant agencies. The focus was on accelerating narcotics prevention and suppression measures, along with formulating guidelines for cannabis use control.
According to Thai News Agency, the government is determined to tackle the drug problem by disrupting supply chains at their origin and working with neighboring countries to prevent drugs from entering Thailand. The Prime Minister also addressed concerns over police safety following recent clashes and a significant crystal methamphetamine seizure in Khao Yoi District, Phetchaburi Province. He instructed commanders to regulate informant use to prevent exploitation and to look into why individuals relapse post-drug rehabilitation.
The meeting approved a cannabis policy aimed at curbing recreational use and promoting medical usage only. This policy will be sent to the Office of the Council of State for the drafting of the Cannabis Control Act by the Ministry of Public Health. There will be a focus on dismantling transnational organized crime networks that threaten national security.
The meeting also adopted a draft action plan for the fiscal year 2027 to prevent, suppress, and resolve drug problems. This plan will be submitted to the Prime Minister for approval and will involve declaring a six-month war on drugs. The aim is to decrease traffickers and drug quantities, address government officials’ roles in drug offenses, and tackle issues related to drug users and addicts within communities.
Additionally, priority areas under the Narcotics Code for fiscal year 2027 have been identified, covering 21 provinces and 82 districts. A Narcotics Interdiction and Suppression Command will be set up in northern, northeastern, western, and southern border regions. The Regional Army Commander or designated officials will oversee these areas.
The Committee on Drug Addiction Treatment and Rehabilitation approved changes to the Ministerial Regulation regarding drug possession quantities, removing all seven Category 1 narcotics from the presumption, which will now move through the legislative process. Two drafts from the Ministry of Public Health were also approved for identifying narcotics, aligning with the 69th session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs.
Moreover, the meeting approved criteria for special merit awards to boost morale among narcotics control officials for fiscal year 2026, pending Cabinet approval. Draft amendments to the Narcotics Code and the Narcotics Case Procedure Act were acknowledged, with preparations underway for compliance with the new laws once enacted.
The Prime Minister stressed the urgency for agencies to eradicate drug production sources while ensuring personnel safety. He highlighted the importance of controlling informant use to prevent corruption and exploitation, thereby safeguarding public welfare.