Sophon welcomed public health officials from five southern border provinces to observe the comprehensive drug rehabilitation prototype known as the Lam Plai Mat model for local adaptation.
On 25 Sep 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Sophon Sarum, Speaker of the National Assembly and House of Representatives, welcomed and delivered a special lecture to a public health delegation from five southern provinces including Pattani,Yala and Narathiwat,Satun and Songkhla, totaling over 80 participants who traveled to study drug problem solutions in Lam Plai Mat district, Buriram province. They learned about a comprehensive approach covering rehabilitation, behavioral modification, and vocational skill training before reintegration into society, ensuring former addicts can live quality lives without relapse. This model serves as a pilot for the government’s policy of establishing one treatment center per district, selected after reviewing multiple sites before choosing Buriram.
Mr. Sophon explained that the visiting group included provincial health officials and hospital directors studying the integrated drug rehabilitation project titled “United in Faith to Solve Drug Problems” in Lam Plai Mat and five other districts: Nong Hong, Khumueang, Phutthaisong, Na Pho, and Ban Mai Chaiyaphot, which has been piloted for over two years. This model is comprehensive and recognized nationally as successful. Notably, some patients undergoing treatment are as young as13–14 years old,with issues often stemming from family circumstances such as divorced parents leaving children to live with grandparents. Thus, systemic solutions are necessary.
Mr. Sophon added that the parliament is preparing to tackle drug problems systemically and plans to introduce drug legislation for parliamentary consideration in this session, recognizing that the issue is very significant. He observed that many MPs frequently bring up the topic during sessions.
Dr. Anurak Sarapap, Public Health Director of Pattani province, said that many drug problem models exist, but none have yet been confirmed as truly successful enough for study visits. Upon visiting here, he saw genuine leadership commitment, aligning with the Speaker’s vision of drug-free youth, especially in treatment and vocational promotion. Some rehabilitated individuals have even passed civil service exams.
“Seeing the approach at Lam Plai Mat gives me confidence that this model can be directly applied elsewhere. This is not just paper integration but practical. Regarding budget, I am confident it is not an issue; it depends only on each province’s willingness to implement,” Dr. Anurak said.
