I appreciate the efforts by UNODC to convene this high level segment to review the objectives set out in the 2009 Political Declaration and Plan of Action. It is my honour to attend this meeting.

Thailand has been actively taking a role in implementing the conventions and 2009 declaration. At global and regional level, we are intensifying our efforts to achieve a drug free ASEAN by 2015. Drugs threat our societies, in particular methamphetamines.

Other problems include diversion of chemicals and precursors. We have put the fight against narcotic drugs as a key priority in Thailand.

We abide by the principle that addicts are patients in need for treatment, while traffickers are criminals. We develop appropriate services for drug users, especially young people. We use our national drug strategy on drugs. As a result, large quantities of drugs and many traffickers have been arrested.

But the production of illicit drugs continue in neighbouring countries, and come into Thailand to meet demand. We intensify drug control efforts in areas where drug trafficking and epidemics are most important. Drug users are treated in drug treatment programmes. This is to reduce demand in the country. Drug intersection and profiling techniques are being used.
Along with supply reduction, we place our priority on drug prevention. We strongly advocate for shaping prevention on evidence. We would like to take this opportunity to thank member states for their help in developing alternative development programmes to promote social and economic development. We have proposed to host a workshop on alternative development this year.

In terms of treatment and rehab, we develop programmes especially for ATS users. We are working on developing these programmes, in particular after-care services, to reduce the number of drug addicts. We assist them to reintegrate in our communities. We encourage UN member states and UNODC to seek appropriate treatment models for ATS users.

Other forms of cooperation should be established so that traffickers are not able to use loopholes to traffic drugs. I take this opportunity to express our thanks for the support from our partners, including UNODC, INCB and other member states, especially neighbouring countries. Cooperation is key. We must have a multi-disciplinary and balanced approach. We must continue the momentum to achieve what we have set out to do.

Please click here to view the full statement: http://myconference.unov.org//Documents/Get/2e0ac2f1-8d7f-46ea-94f5-104e4f083395