Thailand to Establish Special Task Force to Combat Illicit Drugs
Bangkok, The Gulf Observer: The Thai government will establish a special task force, chaired by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, to address the escalating problem of illicit drugs in the country. The initiative was announced by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra during a Pheu Thai Party seminar held in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan.
Thaksin, father of the current prime minister and a prominent figure in the ruling Pheu Thai Party, revealed the plan while traveling with party members on a train to the seminar. The event was organized to strengthen the capabilities of Pheu Thai MPs and political staff, where Thaksin delivered a special lecture.
According to Thaksin, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will lead the task force and work closely with Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to mobilize police and provincial authorities in the fight against illegal drugs. He also emphasized the importance of involving district chiefs and governors in the anti-drug campaign, warning of strict consequences for failure.
The former prime minister noted that the current drug problem is significantly worse than during his tenure. He highlighted the success of his government’s controversial anti-drug campaign, which began on February 1, 2003, and lasted three months. The campaign reportedly led to the arrest of 43,012 individuals, the dismissal of 736 government officials linked to drug activities, and the deaths of 37 individuals during law enforcement operations. However, an additional 1,612 deaths during the campaign raised allegations of extrajudicial killings and silencing of suspects.
Thaksin acknowledged criticism of his administration’s methods but maintained that they were effective. He stressed that some of Pheu Thai’s current policies are built upon initiatives from his time in office, including social welfare programs such as housing for low-income families.
The Interior Ministry’s operations centre previously reported a 100% success rate in eradicating drugs in 13 provinces during the 2003 campaign, while others reported varying levels of achievement. Thaksin assured the public that with firm leadership and collaboration, the new task force could replicate past successes and significantly reduce drug-related issues.
Human rights groups, however, have raised concerns over the potential revival of such aggressive approaches, citing the loss of over 2,500 lives during Thaksin’s campaigns in 2003 and 2005. Despite these criticisms, the government appears determined to move forward with its new strategy, signaling a renewed focus on eradicating narcotics and promoting safety across Thailand.
