Bangkok: The Speaker of Parliament has called for a shift away from political agendas to focus on a unified effort to tackle the drug problem in Thailand, highlighting the successful Buriram model as a blueprint. He emphasized the need for a seamless and integrated approach to address the escalating drug issues in the country.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Sophon Saram, President of the Parliament and Speaker of the House of Representatives, recently presided over the opening of the "House of Representatives Meets the People: Activities to Promote the Role of the House of Representatives in Integrated Drug Problem Solving" project. During the event, he delivered a special lecture on "Success in Solving Drug Problems Through the Cooperation of All Sectors."

Mr. Sophon noted that while agencies involved in drug control have consistently performed their duties diligently, the drug problem continues to worsen. He pointed out that the world is currently facing various crises, including geopolitical conflicts and instability, which also impact Thailand, particularly referencing the Middle East crisis and its significant economic effects.

Drug abuse, he acknowledged, is a major issue hindering Thailand's economy. Having worked as Deputy Prime Minister for over three years with various agencies tackling drug issues, Mr. Sophon identified a major obstacle as the fragmented approach of these agencies. He advocated for integrated collaboration, proposing a project in Buriram province to address the drug problem, which was eventually considered by the Cabinet and led to successful implementation.

Mr. Sophon stressed that integration has always been a challenging issue for the government. However, he urged that if a conclusion can be reached and put into practice, especially during the current budget crisis, it could alleviate public hardship while addressing the growing drug problem. He highlighted the need for comprehensive solutions that utilize both budget and methods, including rehabilitation processes, to improve GDP and the quality of life for Thai citizens.

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