The Prime Minister chaired a drug suppression meeting, emphasizing the key task of blocking drug production sources to prevent smuggling into the country. He urged officials to work with caution while commanding officers must provide full support to their teams.
At 09:30 on 22 Oct 2026 at Phakdi Bodin Building, Government House, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, chaired the 3rd meeting of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) for 2026. Attendees included Lieutenant General Adul Boonthamcharoen, Minister of Defence; Police Lieutenant General Rutthapon Naowarat, Minister of Justice; General Pana Klaewplodtook, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army; Lieutenant General Weerayut Raksin, Commander of the 2nd Army Area; Police General Samran Nuanma, Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police; and representatives from the ONCB and related agencies.
The Prime Minister said this ONCB meeting complies with Section 10 of the Narcotics Act, which requires the board to meet at least four times a year. The government continues to fully address drug issues, with the key challenge being the urgent action against drug production sources before drugs are trafficked into Thailand. Discussions were held with relevant agencies and coordination with neighboring countries to jointly address this regionally linked problem.
He also noted that, as widely reported, the government has maintained continuous anti-drug operations. In the past two to three days, authorities tracked and intercepted drug smuggling in Khao Yoi District, Phetchaburi Province. During the arrest, a gunfight occurred, resulting in two suspects dead. Officials seized a large quantity of crystal methamphetamine, which is currently being counted and officially verified to enable maximum case development.
In this case, I commend and encourage all police officers who have worked with full dedication to intercept drug trafficking networks, as well as all involved agencies. Such missions are highly risky and require caution, expertise, and courage. I urge all officials to fully safeguard themselves and their colleagues, and I call on commanders to provide full support in all aspects to ensure the mission is safe, effective, and strictly conducted within the law.