Dr. Cholnan Srikaew, Minister of Public Health, stated that his ministry undertook a meticulous process in adjusting the ministerial regulation regarding drug possession.
The statement was made in response to criticisms following the adjustment. Under the current regulation, individuals possessing no more than five methamphetamine pills will be regarded as drug users, not dealers. This is a change from the previous threshold of 10 pills. Now, possession of more than five pills could classify a person as a dealer, pending approval.
When asked about the possibility of revising the regulation, Dr. Cholnan mentioned that considerations must include who and which groups are requesting the review and for what reasons. He reiterated that before becoming a ministerial regulation, the ministry drafted the regulation and entered a 15-day public consultation period to gather feedback.
He also highlighted that it is part of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s vision to prevent and suppress narcotics while rehabilitating drug addicts. The administration’s policy treats drug users as patients who need to be rehabilitated and reintegrated into society.
The Minister emphasized that the determination of possession amounts was thoroughly considered by a committee involving various sectors, including the committee on drug treatment and rehabilitation, which he chairs, along with the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, the Ministry of Justice, courts, military, and police.
Additional measures being implemented include establishing medical drug rehabilitation centers in every province, emphasizing community empowerment as a basis for rehabilitation, and providing vocational training for social reintegration. (NNT)
