Drugs top priority for new Governor

PHUKET TOWN: A more intense campaign against illegal drugs will be the top priority when the new Governor CEO, Udomsak Usawarangkura, arrives in Phuket tomorrow, ready to step behind his desk on Wednesday. Coincidentally, October 1 also marks the beginning of a two-month nationwide campaign to eradicate illegal drugs from Thailand. It is hoped that by December 2, all 76 provinces will be able to declare that the campaign has been successful. Vice-Governor Pongpow Ketthong told the Gazette today that the provincial government started a crackdown on illegal drugs in February. Since then, he said, almost 80% of drug takers and dealers who were arrested or volunteered for treatment have been rehabilitated. On Wednesday, his first day in office, the new Governor CEO, accompanied by 200 to 300 local officers, will go to the Thavorn Grand Hotel to hear a national broadcast against drugs by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. “The new Governor will also announce the Phuket policy to eradicate illegal drugs,” V/Gov Pongpow said. “The policy will be successful if people in every community help to look after their own people and do not always rely on officials.” Tomorrow will be a settling-in day for the island’s new administrative chief, with a visit to the Heroines’ Monument and a lunch planned with some of his senior staff at his new home.