Surprise drug test reveals one positive at Buriram meeting
In a surprising move, the district chief of Ban Mai Chaiphot, Seksan Janwongsa, ordered a sudden drug test for local officials during a meeting yesterday, December 2. The surprise urine test, part of an integrated campaign to combat drug issues, revealed one official testing positive for drugs, with five others yet to be tested.
The meeting, which took place at the Ban Mai Chaiphot district hall, involved local leaders, including village chiefs, assistant village chiefs, health officers, and police officers from the district. While the meeting was in progress, Seksan instructed the district officer and local security volunteers to close the meeting room and carry out random urine tests for drug use among the officials present.
Some 172 people, including village chiefs, assistant village chiefs, health officers, and police officers, participated in the drug screening, with health officials from the district’s public health department and Ban Mai Chaiphot Hospital overseeing the process. Volunteers from the local security force were stationed at the restrooms to assist with the testing.
The results of the initial testing revealed that one person had tested positive for drugs. Five others have yet to be tested, and the officials are actively pursuing them for further screenings.
The results were sent to Ban Mai Chaiphot Hospital for confirmation, and the district administration plans to take disciplinary action against those found guilty of drug use. Furthermore, officials who test positive will be referred to rehabilitation programs.
Seksan explained that the surprise tests were part of an ongoing initiative called Unified Strength to Solve Drug Problems, aimed at addressing local drug issues by first cleaning up the administrative ranks. He emphasised that this was part of the government’s and the Ministry of Interior’s commitment to eradicating drug use among public officials to restore public trust.
The district chief also stated that the initiative is in line with the government’s anti-drug policies, reinforcing the message that public servants should not be involved with drugs. Seksan urged the public to report any drug-related issues they may encounter, assuring them that the district administration would take immediate action without delay, reported KhaoSod.
The surprise drug testing serves as a reminder of the district’s commitment to fighting the drug problem, ensuring a clean and effective local government.
