PLANT EYED AS TREATMENT FOR SPEED ADDICTS

Senate Mulls Lifting Of Ban On 'Krathom'

Asenate committee is visiting the South to study a proposal to remove the
stimulant plant krathom from the government's list of banned substances,
enabling it to be used in the treatment of methamphetamine addicts.

The proposal to introduce krathom as a methamphetamine substitute was put
forward by politicians after research in Japan and Australia found it could
be used in place of morphine during surgery, said Pinya Chuayplod, panel
chairman.

"If other countries turn krathom into a valuable asset, who will take
responsibility for the loss to the nation?" he asked.

After completing its studies, the panel planned to push for law amendments
removing the plant from the list of banned substances.

"If the government refuses, we will submit a petition in support of the law
amendments," Mr Pinya said. "We should be able to get the required 50,000
signatures in the South alone."