Thailand's Bhumjaithai Party Prioritizes Drug Crisis Over Cannabis Reform

In a recent parliamentary session, Deputy Prime Minister and Bhumjaithai Party MP Sophon Saram announced that tackling Thailand’s drug crisis will be the party’s top priority. This declaration marks a significant shift in focus from cannabis reform, which the party had previously championed. Sophon emphasized that the government has a four-month window to demonstrate effective action against the drug problem, which he described as a grave threat to the nation

Addressing Parliament, Sophon stressed the need for an integrated approach involving the police, military, administrative officials, and the Ministry of Public Health to combat the drug crisis. He criticized previous administrations for wasting over 6 billion baht on ineffective, fragmented programs. Sophon shared his successful experience with the Buriram Model, a pilot project that helped over 1,600 individuals quit drugs through coordinated community efforts

Sophon called for sincerity from government agencies and politicians, urging Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to set clear principles and avoid impractical policies. He advocated for legal reforms to enhance drug control and criticized the lack of proper cannabis legislation, which he claims has led to significant issues. Despite Bhumjaithai's past support for cannabis legalization, Sophon acknowledged that the failure to pass control legislation has been problematic

The MP urged the government to focus on suppressing narcotics and setting a positive example. Sophon concluded his address by encouraging MPs to monitor the government's progress over the next four months, expressing confidence in the party's ability to effect change. This commitment to addressing the drug crisis signals a pivotal moment in Thailand’s approach to drug policy, with the Bhumjaithai Party at the forefront of this initiative