Head-on approach
Forming a strong network of allies, including in the region and overseas, is the key to battling the nation’s narcotics kingpins, writes King-oua Laohong
A new Bangkok Post column, INQUIRY LINES, today explores the state’s latest steps in its fight against drugs. The column, to be published every second Monday, gives readers an in-depth look at topical issues, from politics to social concerns.
The new secretary-general of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board is adopting measures to better cope with drug problems by making Thailand a regional anti-drug centre and forming a stronger network of allies.
The move is the main policy being pursued by Sirinya Sitdhichai, who appeared overwhelmed when asked by the Bangkok Post to list the things he plans to do during his 18-month term. He was appointed to the top post at the ONCB in July last year.
His decades-long experience with the agency impressed Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha who exercised his power under Section 44 of the interim charter to put Mr Sirinya on a fast track towards the ONCB leadership, succeeding Narong Rattananukun who had been transferred to the Office of the Permanent Secretary of the PM’s Office.
More drug operations are likely to evolve in an international context, with Thailand taking part, as Mr Sirinya is going full steam ahead to tackle drug-related issues which have plagued Thailand for years.
Among the main tasks he wants to complete is making Thailand stand out in the region for its efforts to solve drug-related problems, a position he is confident the country can secure because, as he put it, “we are now the centre of Asean in solving drug problems under the Safe Mekong Joint Operation”.
The multi-national cooperation, which was launched in 2013, has launched drug trafficking crackdowns to clear illegal activities in transnational rivers.
The Safe Mekong Joint Operation comprises China and five countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations — Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and and Vietnam — with a goal to “seal off” the Golden Triangle, the notorious drugproducing region in the upstream parts of the Mekong river.
Under the plan, authorities in each country agreed to cooperate and look out for irregularities to block drugs from being transported out of the Golden Triangle and prevent drug precursors from being trafficked into this major drug production site.
It covers an overlapping mountainous area of about 950,000 square kilometres shared by Myanmar, Laos and Thailand.
“But Asean cannot have only these six countries seal off the Golden Triangle,” Mr Sirinya said.
“Brunei, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia should join hands,” he said, referring to the latest Asean meeting in which members agreed to strengthen their joint anti-drug operations.
Drug authorities have been told to prepare their 10-year plans, lasting until 2025, and table them at the next meeting to take place in Chiang Mai between Jan 11-14, Mr Sirinya said.
The plans will focus on moves to stop the trafficking of drug precursors in 11 spots along the borders of Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia.
As for countries outside the Mekong basin, “they too should have plans to block the smuggling of these chemicals hidden in ships heading to the Golden Triangle”, Mr Sirinya said.
Results of the drug measures will be evaluated by members of the Safe Mekong Joint Operation every year.
Their efforts have begun to bear fruit as
Authorities have so far seized 700 million litres of drug precursors, thanks especially to greater cooperation from Myanmar and Laos.
SIRINYA SITDHICHAI ONCB CHIEF
authorities have so far seized 700 million litres of drug precursors, thanks especially to greater cooperation from Myanmar and Laos, Mr Sirinya said.
“We’re also drawing support from more remote countries, namely Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea, the US and Germany, as they are also affected by crystal methamphetamine and heroin produced in the Golden Triangle,” he said.
These countries can support the operation by providing resources needed for crackdowns and personnel training, the ONCB secretary-general said, adding Australia will provide patrol boats for use at Chiang Rai’s Chiang Saen pier in the Mekong River in the next two months.
Mr Sirinya’s move to take the drug fight international will go together with ongoing domestic measures to continue drug crackdowns and help Thailand adapt to the global trend that focuses on treating rather than punishing drug addicts.
Last year the ONCB seized assets from suspected drug offenders worth up to 1.4 billion baht. It has so far acted against 70 of 300 state officials suspected of being involved in drug-related wrongdoings and is in the process of updating Thai anti-drug laws to bring them in line with global trends that put more weight on human rights.
All of these efforts are viewed as crucial in the new ONCB secretary-general’s plan of action to help Thailand secure a central role in relieving, if not eradicating, drug problems in Southeast Asia.