The Ministry of Public Health has collaborated with other organizations, including the military, to create a nationwide initiative to expand access to drug treatment facilities. This action is consistent with the government’s continued attempts to address the drug problem head-on.
According to the pact, all relevant organizations will work together by next December to open drug addict rehabilitation facilities around the country.
Dr. Yongyot Thammawut, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Public Health, presided over the signing ceremony between the Ministry of Public Health, the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters, the Royal Thai Army, the Royal Thai Navy, the Royal Thai Air Force, the Department of Provincial Administration, and the Office of The Narcotics Control Board.
Administration, the development of treatment centers, and oversight and quality control at these facilities will all fall within the purview of the health ministry under the terms of the agreement. In addition to providing formal operating instructions, it will facilitate the sharing and acquisition of needed skills.
Under the terms of the agreement, the participating military agencies will contribute land and manpower to the construction of these facilities and will collaborate with other organizations to ensure the success of their activities.
In the meanwhile, the Office of the Narcotics Control Board will be in charge of formulation of policy, development of operational strategies, establishment of a financial plan, and completion of performance assessments. In keeping with the national plan for suppressing narcotics, it will also maintain its collaboration with other authorities in order to both prevent and clamp down on drug-related activities.
