The campaign follows a directive from Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, currently acting as Prime Minister, to treat the drug crisis as a national priority.
Under the directive, all civil servants under the Ministry of Interior, along with the Royal Thai Police and related agencies, are working together to eradicate drug dealers and users within a three-month framework, Phuket Provincial Police said in a statement on Friday (Aug 1).
Pol Gen Kittirat Phanphet, Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, ordered the operation to be carried out in three phases:
* Phase 1 (late July): Police conducted intensive searches and arrests targeting small- and medium-scale drug dealers and users, with support from local officials. Operations included cordons, raids and asset seizures.
* Phase 2 (August): Officers are using intelligence gathered during Phase 1 to expand investigations and arrests. Drug users are being directed into treatment programmes.
* Phase 3 (September): The final stage will focus on evaluating the results of the campaign and declaring ‘white communities’ – areas free of drug activity.
To mark the launch of Phase 2, Phuket Governor Sopon Suwannarat and Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum led more than 600 personnel in a parade and briefing ceremony last Friday (Aug 1), joined by officials from administrative, public health and law enforcement agencies.
At the event, results from the first phase of the operation, from July 18-31, were reported.
Over the two-week period, authorities dismantled 58 drug networks, raided 121 target locations and arrested 138 suspects for drug-related offenses
Seized items included 6,524 methamphetamine pills (ya bah), 300 grammes of crystal meth (ya ice), 10g of ketamine, six grammes of heroin, five ecstasy pills, one firearm and drug-related assets worth B1.17 million.
Further action taken on Friday (Aug 1), the first day of Phase 2, saw police execute simultaneous operations across the province, leading to takedown of 12 additional drug networks, the closure of 12 more target locations and the arrest of 13 more suspects.
Drugs and contraband seized included 379 ya bah pills, 10.6g of crystal meth, 66g of ketamine, 92 ecstasy pills, one firearm and drug-related assets valued at B1.94mn.
Phuket Provincial Police called on the public to report any information about drug activity by contacting their local police station or calling the 191 emergency hotline.
Officials have assured that all reports will be handled confidentially and that whistleblowers will be protected.
“This is not just a police operation ‒ it’s a community effort,” said the Phuket Provincial Police statement. “Together, we can eliminate drugs from our society and build safer, stronger communities for everyone.”