A participant in the opium addiction rehab programme shows his medication and registration book. Also, several patients have relapsed into opium use as they live in an environment where they are exposed to poppy cultivation and socialise with other opium addicts. But statistics are also showing that the number of opium addicts has surged in recent years. "Most opium addicts turn to peddling the drugs and eventually to poppy farming," he said. With public attention focused on these narcotics, the more traditional illicit drug, opium, which was on the verge of being wiped out in recent years, is quietly making a comeback.

Source: Bangkok Post July 22, 2016 23:48 UTC