CITY WORKERS SPEND BILLIONS A YEAR ON PILLS

The methamphetamine trade costs the Thai economy 100 billion baht (about
$2.3 billion) a year, the United Nations International Drug Control Program
said, and the situation is getting worse despite government suppression
efforts.

The UNDCP was quoting a Thai Farmers' Bank Research Centre study of 728
Bangkok workers.

The study found 88 percent of them used tonics and other stimulants to
combat chronic fatigue.

About 20 percent of the workers admitted taking methamphetamine pills to
get an additional physical boost.

The study identified Bangkok as a major market for the trading of speed pills.

The UNDCP said the study found 200,000 to 300,000 stressed city workers
spent 1 billion baht ( about $23.4 million) a year on methamphetamines.

The workers said speed pills were much more socially acceptable than other
drugs such as heroin.

Workers discounted or were unaware of the addictive potential of
methamphetamine, preferring to think of the drug as a stimulant, which
allowed them to work longer and earn more money.

The research center suggested a multidimensional approach to the problem,
which would include support, partnership and co-operation on many levels.

It felt suppressive measures aimed at deterring traders would reduce supply
in the short term, but subsequent shortages and price rises would lead to
increased production.

It also acknowledged the current economic climate and disintegration of the
family as contributory factors in the spread of drug abuse.