THAI SENATOR SAYS WANTS TO LEGALISE AMPHETAMINES

BANGKOK, Oct 27 (Reuters) - A Thai senator suggested on Friday that
amphetamines be legalised to bring the country's drugs problem under
control, the state-owned Thai News Agency reported.

"The government should set up drug stores nationwide to sell the drug at
one baht (2.33 U.S. cents) a tablet to control the supply and demand of the
drug," Senator Kavi Supathira was quoted as telling Interior Ministry
officials. Kavi is a member of the Senate's government affairs committee.

He said the move would undermine the United Wa State Army, an ethnic army
in Myanmar blamed for producing most of the amphetamines consumed in
Thailand.

"The Wa would be severely hurt by this measure," he said.

Amphetamine pills are widely available in Thailand despite efforts to crack
down on the drug.