In February 2003, Thaksin launched a "war on drugs" to suppress drug trafficking and prevent drug use, but the main outcome of this policy was arbitrary killings. After a local and international outcry, Thaksin ended the war on drugs and declared it a success. Speaking at the "Thailand's Drug Policy Revisited" forum held by the Thailand Institute of Justice, Gen Paiboon said the high number of drug offenders and widespread drug abuse in communities show drug policy is failing. He said once Section 44 is invoked by the prime minister to remove methamphetamine from the dangerous drugs list, health authorities can begin to use it for medical treatment. As Mr Duterte embarks on state visits to Southeast Asian neighbours, junta leader Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha may want to offer his counterpart some advice on efforts to fight the drug menace when the populist politician visits Bangkok.

Source: Bangkok Post September 01, 2016 20:15 UTC