The campaign, held under the theme ‘Phuket Province Unites Thailand Against Drugs’, was led by Phuket Vice Governor Pol Lt Col Khetarat Chansilp, who presided over the ceremony at the Mahisornphakdi Meeting Room (Grand Auditorium).
Among those attending were the Phuket Provincial Palad (Chief Administration Officer) Rungruang Thimabut, now returned to duty; Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation Deputy President Chalam Atthatham; and Chief of the Phuket Provincial Education Area Office, Panna Phromwichian; alongside senior government officials, local leaders, teachers, students, youth groups and members of the public.
Mueang Phuket District Chief Siwat Rawangkul said the event aimed to raise public awareness of the dangers of drugs while demonstrating a united commitment to preventing and suppressing drug-related crime.
He said the campaign sought to promote understanding of government and provincial anti-drug policies while encouraging cooperation between government agencies, the private sector, businesses, schools, communities and youth organisations to address the problem through sustained, integrated action.
Participants, many wearing white as a symbol of solidarity, took part in a series of activities including the reading of the official World Anti-Drug Day message, an oath pledging to combat drugs, the presentation of awards recognising outstanding contributions to drug prevention and suppression, and exhibitions highlighting anti-drug initiatives by various agencies.
In his address, Vice Governor Khetarat noted that June 26 is recognised by the United Nations as World Anti-Drug Day and said Thailand remains committed to working with the international community to combat illegal drugs.
He described narcotics as a serious threat to national security, public health and the country’s economic and social wellbeing, stressing that all sectors of society must work together to address the problem.
He said Phuket’s anti-drug strategy covers prevention, enforcement and rehabilitation, with authorities this year focusing on building what he described as a “wall of cooperation” by strengthening families and communities as the first line of defence against drug abuse.
Vice Governor Khetarat also reminded the public, not ironically, that all forms of illegal drug use remain offences under Thai law. However, he said people who voluntarily enter treatment programmes would be given the opportunity to recover and reintegrate into society, while those involved in criminal activity or whose actions threaten their families or communities would face legal action.
The ceremony concluded with participants taking a collective oath to reject all involvement with illegal drugs, pledging not to use, produce, trade or support narcotics in any form and to work together to protect families and communities in pursuit of a sustainable drug-free Phuket.