Thailand’s meth crisis sparks mental health fears

ONCB: 330,000 needed treatment, 220,000 face meth-related mental issues

Puntid Tantivangphaisal8 minutes agoLast Updated: Thursday, June 5, 2025

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Thailand’s meth crisis sparks mental health fears — Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

Thailand is battling a full-blown methamphetamine (meth) epidemic, with 1.5 million users nationwide and hundreds of thousands suffering serious mental health effects, according to bombshell new research unveiled this week.

The data, released by the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), paints a grim picture of widespread meth use and the severe impact it’s having on Thai society, particularly among youth.

During a press briefing yesterday, June 4, Police Lieutenant General Panurat Lakboon, ONCB Secretary General, revealed that around 330,000 users required drug treatment last year, and 220,000 are experiencing mental health issues linked to meth use.

“Meth remains the most problematic and commonly used drug in the country,” said Pol. Lt. Gen. Panurat. “These numbers should serve as a wake-up call.”

The research, a joint effort between the ONCB and the Substance Abuse Academic Organisation Network, surveyed drug use across Thailand throughout the past year. It focused on those aged 12 to 65 and found meth pills, known locally as Yaba, were by far the most abused substance.

Other drugs still in circulation include ecstasy, heroin, crystal meth, ketamine, opium, cocaine and inhalants. The report also highlighted that over 21,000 Thais are poly-drug users, classified as high-risk and in need of specialised medical intervention.

To combat the crisis, the ONCB has launched a national centre for drug treatment and rehabilitation, working in partnership with various agencies. Local coordination meetings with provincial governors are now held twice a month to reduce harm swiftly and efficiently.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Panurat also addressed the root of the supply problem, pointing to Shan State in Myanmar as a major hub for drug production. Intelligence reports confirm that areas controlled by the Wa group remain central to the region’s meth trade, reported Bangkok Post.

The ONCB says its strategy moving forward is focused on both disrupting supply chains and expanding access to rehabilitation, while also strengthening surveillance and intelligence efforts at the national level.

“The battle against drugs is not just about arrests. It’s about saving lives,” Panurat stated.

Puntid Tantivangphaisal

Originally from Hong Kong, Puntid moved to Bangkok in 2020 to pursue further studies in translation. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Comparative Literature from the University of Hong Kong. Puntid spent 8 years living in Manchester, UK. Before joining The Thaiger, Puntid has been a freelance translator for 2 years. In her free time, she enjoys swimming and listening to music, as well as writing short fiction and poetry.