10,000 CHILDREN TO JOIN ANTI-DRUG DRIVE

Over 10,000 children will participate in a community-based anti-drug
campaign to mark Her Majesty the Queen's birthday next month.

Pol Maj-Gen Inthadej Pornpeeraphan, Narcotics Suppression Bureau deputy
commissioner, said Her Majesty was concerned about the widespread drug
abuse among the nation's youth.

The bureau would set up training camps to encourage some 10,000 children to
lead a campaign against drug abuse among their peers, Pol Maj-Gen Inthadej
said.

The training, to be co-ordinated by the Education Ministry, the military
and NGOs, would be held between August 10-14 at 84 military camps
nationwide. The children would be taught how to become strong leaders so
that they can encourage their friends and relatives to stay away from
drugs, Pol Maj-Gen Inthadej said. The 10,000 children taking part in the
scheme would then be able to bring the message to at least 100,000 other
children.