Thaksin unveils plan to combat drug circulation, pledging widespread community searches for dealers
Thaksin Shinawatra, former Prime Minister of Thailand, vowed on Tuesday to launch a fresh campaign against drug trafficking, promising community scans to identify drug dealers and a tighter crackdown on illegal networks across the country.
During a special address at the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, Thaksin outlined his plans, stating he would seek permission from Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to scrutinize communities for drug sellers. Findings would subsequently be submitted to the Interior Minister and the National Police Chief for further action.
Reflecting on his 2003 anti-drug campaign, Thaksin defended the initiative while acknowledging the controversy that surrounded it. The campaign, which ordered government agencies to eradicate drug trafficking by scouring every square inch of the country, is estimated to have resulted in over 2,800 deaths within three months. Although initially attributed to drug-related violence, a subsequent government investigation found that more than half of the casualties had no connection to drug offenses.
Recognizing the need for a change in approach, Thaksin underlined the importance of addressing drug trafficking as a threat to the present and future generations. He urged police and Interior Ministry officials to work in unison rather than operating independently in the fight against drugs.
Criticizing the current drug suppression agencies for being too numerous and ineffectual, Thaksin identified key agencies in charge of drug control as the police, military, customs officials, and Interior Ministry personnel. He expressed concern that some agencies seek solely to secure suppression budgets without enforcing laws effectively.
In his speech, Thaksin also accused corrupt customs officials of failing to prevent the smuggling of chemicals used to manufacture methamphetamine into Thailand, which are then sent to Myanmar's Shan State, a region controlled by the United Wa State Army (UWSA). He alleged the UWSA as the primary source of drugs flowing into Thailand.
Boasting good relations with Myanmar's junta leader, General Min Aung Hlaing, and Laos' Prime Minister, Thaksin claimed he could seek their cooperation to stem the flow of drugs into Thailand. However, he acknowledged Myanmar's lack of control over Shan State, stating that Thailand must tackle the drug issue independently.
"There must be internationally acceptable ways for us to urgently address drug manufacturers," Thaksin stated. He added that Thailand's Foreign Minister would soon discuss measures with Myanmar to bring the UWSA under control.
Thaksin also emphasized the importance of being ruthless in combatting drug traffickers, urging authorities to make every village a "white village" by seizing drug shipments and dismantling trafficking networks. He called on the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) to improve efficiency in drug suppression and southern insurgency operations, warning that he might propose dissolving the agency if it failed to deliver results.
In a bid to fund the campaign, Thaksin suggested utilizing part of the central emergency fund for the drug war and the establishment of drug rehabilitation centers across districts. He argued that people would accept the suspension of 10,000-baht handouts if the government effectively suppressed drug trafficking.
Thaksin urged the Education Ministry to improve curricula, teaching children from kindergarten about the dangers of drug abuse starting from an early age. He also recommended involving the armed forces to secure borders against the smuggling of drugs, weapons, and oil.
Finally, Thaksin stressed the need to investigate village-level pushers and link them to major drug bosses. He urged authorities to seize traffickers' assets and identify the kingpins. "Nothing under the sun is impossible for Thai police, and they must also receive support from the Interior Ministry," Thaksin concluded.
Thaksin's renewed call for a hardline approach against drug dealers and the United Wa State Army (UWSA) has raised concerns about potential human rights abuses similar to those seen in 2003. Critics fear that such methods could lead to more extrajudicial killings and exacerbate existing social issues. The government must navigate the political and social implications of such a campaign while ensuring that it respects human rights and addresses the root causes of drug trafficking.
- Thaksin Shinawatra, in his renewed campaign against drug trafficking, also aims to tackle the issue at its source, criticizing corrupt customs officials for failing to prevent the smuggling of chemicals used to manufacture methamphetamine.
- Thaksin's plans for the campaign extend beyond law enforcement, as he calls for the Education Ministry to educate children about the dangers of drug abuse from a young age.
- In the realm of international relations, Thaksin has boasted good relations with Myanmar's junta leader and Laos' Prime Minister, asserting that he could seek their cooperation to stem the flow of drugs into Thailand.
- Reflecting on the 2003 anti-drug campaign, Thaksin underlines the importance of addressing drug trafficking as a threat to future generations, urging police and Interior Ministry officials to work in unison.
- The renewed campaign against drug trafficking and the United Wa State Army (UWSA) has raised concerns about potential human rights abuses, with critics fearing that such methods could lead to more extrajudicial killings and exacerbate social issues.
