THAI PM ANUTIN DECLARES WAR ON DRUGS, VOWS RELENTLESS CRACKDOWN NATIONWIDE

BANGKOK, Oct 8 (Bernama) -- Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has declared the suppression of narcotics an urgent national priority, vowing to “win the war on drugs” and eradicate the menace from society.

Anutin, who is also Interior Minister, said drug suppression has always been a national priority for every administration, and the current government remains firmly committed to continuing its crackdown.

He stressed that the government considers drug traffickers and dealers in all forms as enemies of the state, while also working to amend relevant laws to enhance the effectiveness of enforcement.

“The government is taking the issue seriously and will act as a relentless enemy of drug traders, possessors, and traffickers in every form, applying equally severe punishment under the law. Anyone involved in narcotics will face strict legal consequences,” Anutin told a press conference at the Royal Thai Police Narcotics Suppression Bureau here on Wednesday.

Anutin warned that any community or village that neglects the issue and becomes a hub for drug trading or storage will face stricter legal measures and heavier penalties.

“The government will continue to pursue drug suppression relentlessly and without leniency, in order to safeguard the safety of communities and maintain national order,” he said.

He added that drug-related arrests are regularly announced, with two major busts having taken place in the past week, while the National Police Chief continues to keep the public informed of ongoing operations.

Following the briefing by Royal Thai Police, the Prime Minister personally inspected and tested seized narcotics and vehicles used to conceal drugs.

Between Oct 4 and Oct 6, 2025, Anutin said the Royal Thai Police carried out an intensified crackdown, dismantling four major drug networks, arresting 10 suspects, and seizing 15.78 million methamphetamine pills, 235 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine, and numerous assets linked to the trafficking rings, which are now under further investigation.

-- BERNAMA