Prachuap Khiri Khan has announced a renewed push to combat drug-related activities across the province as part of the nationwide “No Drugs No Dealers” campaign.
On Monday, Deputy Governor Kittipong Sukphakkun chaired a high-level meeting at the Singkhon Conference Room inside the provincial hall to discuss strategies for tackling drug use and trafficking in the region. Representatives from provincial departments, law enforcement, security agencies, and the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) Region 7 were present.
Officials from ONCB Region 7 presented data showing that methamphetamine, crystal methamphetamine, heroin, and ketamine remain the most commonly trafficked and abused drugs in the eight provinces under its jurisdiction. Prachuap Khiri Khan was identified as a key transit point for drug smuggling operations moving supplies to southern Thailand.
Deputy Governor Kittipong also raised concerns about the increasing use of parcel delivery services to distribute drugs, calling on relevant agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering and closely monitor the situation, especially among young people. He noted that the province’s high number of individuals entering rehabilitation is a sign that recent efforts, including a province-wide “Re-X-ray” operation to locate and assist drug users, have been effective in promoting treatment and recovery.
Anti drug campaign to focus on smuggling routes, youth, and rehab access
Officials were asked to use statistical data from the ONCB to shape more targeted and efficient operational planning going forward.
The meeting also reviewed ongoing anti-drug initiatives, including school-based prevention efforts, updates on the “Mother of the Land Fund” and “To Be Number One” campaigns, recent arrests, sustainable community rehabilitation programmes, and measures to control drug trafficking in border areas.
Participants were briefed on national directives issued on 17 July by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Phumtham Wechayachai, who is currently acting as Prime Minister. The directive calls for provincial governors and police commanders to deliver measurable outcomes from the “No Drugs No Dealers” campaign within three months.
In line with these directives, a follow-up meeting will be held on 23 July involving all relevant agencies in Prachuap Khiri Khan to establish a coordinated roadmap. As a preliminary step, Provincial Police Commander Pol. Maj. Gen. Nakarin Sukhonthawit has instructed each of the province’s 16 police stations to assign two officers to work with village heads and local community leaders to identify individuals involved in drug-related activities.