SURVEY SHOWS 3 MILLION THAIS ARE DRUG ADDICTS

Nearly 3 million Thais are addicted to drugs, according to a survey by
Health Ministry.

Around 2.65 million people, or 4.3 per cent of the population, are hooked
on drugs, with 91 per cent of those addicted to amphetamines.

Health Minister Surdarat Keyuraphan says others are addicted to marijuana,
solvents, heroin and opiu.

He says the survey shows young children need to be monitored to prevent
them developing drug habits.

"From this survey, we have to keep a careful eye on children in the five to
nine years of age bracket who are most at risk of becoming addicts
themselves," Mr Surdarat said.

Young people between the ages of 15 and 24 are the biggest drug addicts.

This age group dominated every drug category except marijuana and heroin,
which was used mostly by 25 and 59-year-old.