Thai prime minister: Army anti-drug efforts on Myanmar border

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin directed the army to intensify its efforts to curb illicit drug smuggling along the Myanmar frontier.

The directive was issued yesterday, December 5, during a meeting with the army chief, General Songwit Noonpackdee. The prime minister specifically emphasised the importance of the military’s collaboration with the police in executing this task.

PM Srettha also stressed the need to tackle the unrest in the South, with the help of the Malaysian forces. He expressed his approval of the army’s strategies and plans aimed at resolving this issue.

In his address, the 61 year old Thai PM urged the military to play an increased role in community service, particularly in areas such as disaster management during times of flood or drought. The Bangkok-born politician also highlighted the importance of their involvement in suppressing the illegal drug trade and in environmental protection, like forest fire prevention.

“We need a stronger bond between the army and locals.”

Meanwhile, Defence Ministry spokesman, Rear Admiral (RADM) Thanitpong Sirisawetsak, revealed the army’s plan to provide mental health rehabilitation facilities in certain military hospitals for patients affected by substance abuse. This initiative will commence this month and will last until February next year.

The Royal Thai Army Medical Department is set to spearhead a pilot project involving four hospitals located in Prachin Buri, Nakhon Ratchasima, Ubon Ratchathani, and Kanchanaburi. These hospitals will house mental health rehabilitation and recovery centres, reported Bangkok Post.

Plans to expand the project next year, to include five more hospitals in Udon Thani, Nakhon Sawan, Phitsanulok, Lampang, and Nakhon Si Thammarat, have been set in motion.

Each military hospital involved in the project will have facilities capable of handling up to 10 patients at a time. Following the completion of the pilot project, mental health rehabilitation and recovery centres will be introduced to the remaining 27 military hospitals. Collectively, these centres will be equipped to accommodate up to 110 patients.