Ruth Dreifuss, chairwoman of the Global Commission on Drug Policy, said prohibition of drugs has done little to reduce drug abuse. During 2006-2013 the number of drug users rose by 20% while the number of drug users who died during detention was estimated at 200,000 annually, she said. As a result, more and more countries are considering other steps to help drug users, she said. She insisted it is necessary to refrain from incarcerating drug users because drug use is not a serious offence. Justice permanent secretary Charnchao Chaiyanukij said Thailand's drug policy focuses on preventive rehabilitation, making drug rehabilitation accessible to everyone, and implementation of alternatives to incarceration.

Source: Bangkok Post April 05, 2017 23:03 UTC