The government spokesperson confirmed the Prime Minister prioritizes drug suppression to prevent Thailand from being used as a route or base for transnational crime, elevating continuous efforts in arrest, prevention, and treatment.
On 5 Jul 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, said Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul regards drug suppression as a national security priority. Currently, drug networks are linked to transnational crime organizations using increasingly complex smuggling methods, exploiting transport routes and international networks. The government has instructed all agencies to closely integrate work in intelligence, law enforcement, border security, and international cooperation to close all routes used by drug networks and prevent Thailand from being a transit route or operational base for transnational criminals.
Ms. Ratchada stated this effort is part of the “Drug Eradication Operation,” a key government policy declaring war on drug traffickers and aiming to uproot networks decisively. The Prime Minister has assigned all agencies to develop coordinated operational plans at district, provincial, ministerial, and relevant agency levels to ensure a unified system and concrete problem-solving progress.
The operational plan covers seven areas: strengthening international cooperation; enhancing border security; cracking down on drug networks and involved officials; mitigating impacts on citizens; addressing mental health issues from drug abuse; implementing the “One District One Treatment Center” policy; and building a drug-free society.
Results from the past eight months, between 1 Oct 2025 and 31 May 2026, show intensified integration between the Royal Thai Police, Office of the Narcotics Control Board, Ministry of Interior, military, customs, and related agencies. Authorities dismantled 16,419 drug networks, arrested 203,637 offenders—a 20.36% increase from the previous year—seized over 997 million methamphetamine tablets (up 33 million), 39.4 tons of crystal meth (up 3.8 tons), along with large amounts of ecstasy and ketamine.
Additionally, authorities have seized and frozen assets worth over 7.677 billion baht from drug cases, reflecting efforts to cut off the financial circuits of drug networks alongside law enforcement.
Beyond suppression, the government continues prevention and treatment efforts, having enrolled 40,440 users into treatment programs. It has engaged 2,970 communities and implemented police-school liaison projects in over 1,537 schools, screening more than 1.12 million students to identify at-risk groups and provide timely assistance. The 'Police Teacher Dare' program has educated over 252,427 youth about the dangers of drugs.
Ms. Ratchada added that recent incidents involving airline staff reveal drug traffickers constantly adapt their methods. Thus, the government must adjust measures accordingly. The Prime Minister has tasked aviation and security agencies to review and strengthen airport security under the 'Zero Trust' principle, applying uniform checks to close loopholes potentially used for smuggling drugs and illegal items.
“Drug suppression is a national agenda. The government is committed to continuous efforts in dismantling networks, seizing offenders' assets, treating users, building youth resilience, and enhancing international cooperation to make Thailand a drug-safe society and build confidence among citizens and the global community,” Ms. Ratchada said.