Thailand has a national strategy which includes drug demand reduction, drug prevention, treatment and measures to reduce consequences of drug use.

Drug addicts need treatment and rehabilitation. They are treated differently to suppliers.

Thailand uses both voluntary and compulsory treatment. Some compulsory treatment occurs in military camps, which are also called ‘personal development camps’. This approach provides an alternative to prison and is a diversion programme for drug offences. Thailand initiated an accrediation process for its treatment services in 2006.

Thailand has included harm reduction in its response to drugs for ten years. NGOs provide needle and syringe exchange in Thailand. The government collaborates with NGOs on this issue. There will be an evidence-based harm reduction strategy produced later this year.