BANGKOK, 3 October 2013 The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) reaffirms that the planned removal of Kratom leaves from class 5 narcotics list will not affect its drug eradication efforts. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Justice is preparing to forward its suggestion to legalize use of Krathom to the Ministry of Public Health.
Justice Minister Chaikasem Nitisiri explained his ministry’s stance on Kratom, saying that the leaf is part of several local lifestyles. Kratom can be used as stimulants or processed into traditional medicines, as it possesses several scientific and medical ingredients.
Nonetheless, due to its effects on human neural system, Kratom leaves still have to be controlled, stated the Justice Minister. The Ministry’s stance on Kratom together with supporting reasons and some control measures on the herb will soon be forwarded to the Ministry of Public Health.
Mr. Chaikasem, however, stated that the efforts to remove Kratom leaves from narcotics list cannot be continued if the Public Health Ministry does not give the green light on the matter.
