FINAL DRIVE TO 'DRUG FREE' STATE BEGINS OCT 2

Checks To Intensify In All Communities

The war on drugs will be intensified in all communities to ensure Thailand is
free of the scourge by Dec 2, ahead of His Majesty the King's birthday on Dec
5, Interior Minister Wan Muhamad Nor Matha said.

A meeting of intelligence agencies and the national centre to defeat drugs
agreed yesterday that efforts would be redoubled during the two months from Oct
2, he said.

A long-term plan for combating drug trafficking and for treatment of addicts
was also presented at the meeting.

Narcotics Control Board secretary-general Pol Lt-Gen Chidchai Wannasathit said
the anti-drug campaign during the 60-day countdown period would be intense,
with careful checks on all communities, villages, schools and factories.

The first stage of the government's war on drugs ran from Feb 1 to April 30,
and focused on law enforcement and rehabilitation of addicts. The second stage,
from May 1-Oct 2, concentrated on strategic adjustment. The final 60 days was
the countdown to Dec 2.

Agencies were still keeping a close watch on big cities and border areas to
prevent the return of drug dealers, but the problem was no longer as serious
and methamphetamine pills were now expensive and in short supply, he said.