Phuket marks World Anti-Drug Day with province-wide anti-drug campaign

Phuket officials held a World Anti-Drug Day event under the theme “Phuket Province Unites Thailand Against Drugs”, led by Vice Governor Pol Lt Col Khetarat Chansilp at the Mahisornphakdi Meeting Room (Grand Auditorium).

The ceremony brought together senior provincial officials, local leaders, teachers, students, youth groups and members of the public. Among those attending were Phuket Provincial Palad Rungruang Thimabut, Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation Deputy President Chalam Atthatham and Phuket Provincial Education Area Office chief Panna Phromwichian.

Mueang Phuket District Chief Siwat Rawangkul said the event was intended to raise awareness of the dangers of drugs and show a united commitment to preventing and suppressing drug-related crime. He said the campaign also aimed to build understanding of government and provincial anti-drug policies while encouraging cooperation among state agencies, the private sector, businesses, schools, communities and youth organisations.

Participants, many dressed in white as a symbol of solidarity, joined activities including a reading of the official World Anti-Drug Day message, an oath against drugs, award presentations for contributions to drug prevention and suppression, and exhibitions by agencies involved in anti-drug work.

In his address, Khetarat said June 26 is recognised by the United Nations as World Anti-Drug Day and that Thailand remains committed to working with the international community against illegal drugs. He described narcotics as a threat to national security, public health and the country’s economic and social wellbeing.

He said Phuket’s anti-drug strategy covers prevention, enforcement and rehabilitation, with this year’s focus on building a “wall of cooperation” by strengthening families and communities as the first line of defence against drug abuse.

Khetarat also said illegal drug use remains an offence under Thai law. He said people who voluntarily enter treatment programmes would be given a chance to recover and return to society, while those involved in criminal activity or whose actions threaten families or communities would face legal action.

The event concluded with participants taking a collective oath rejecting all involvement with illegal drugs and pledging not to use, produce, trade or support narcotics in any form.