Illegal drug use and policing: view from Thailand

Abstract

Dear Editor, the problem of illegal drug and narcotics become a big problem worldwide. The counteracting to this problem becomes an important issue and the international agreement to manage this problem can be seen. In Southeast Asia, the problem of illegal drug is still prevalent. In Thailand, the situation on illegal drug, policing and law is very interesting. Hayashi  et al. noted that “despite Thailand's commitment to treating people who use drugs as "patients" not "criminals," Thai authorities continue to emphasize criminal law enforcement for drug control. In 2003, Thailand's drug war received international criticism due to extensive human rights violations [1].”