Thai deputy PM shows a softer side on failed drug tests

News > Crimes

Chalerm favours rehab for drug users

Published: 23 Jan 2013 at 19.08
Online news: Crimes

Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung has offered to extend leniency to those whose urine turns purple during a drug test.

The deputy prime minister told police officers in a meeting at the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MTB) head office on Wednesday that those testing positive for drugs should be rehabilitated instead of being arrested.

The new policy is in contradiction to current police practice of immediately arresting anybody failing a drug test when their urine turns purple.

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Funtoc
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Discussion 10 : 24 Jan 2013 at 14.4410
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Seems sensible to offer people simply arrested for possession, rehabilitation rather than treat them as criminals. This may free up more resources to apprehend the dealers.
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malaysian
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Discussion 9 : 24 Jan 2013 at 09.359
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Substances such as marijuana have been used as treatment for various drugs which are extremely harmful, all with little to no side-effects. Much better than any synthetic drug could offer. Focusing on regulating, decriminalizing and treatment for this victim-less crime should be seriously considered if drug usage is this incredibly high.
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bkk-farang
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Discussion 8 : 24 Jan 2013 at 08.588
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In my area of Bangkok I am sure that a lot less than 60% of the people use illegal drugs. So to get the average right across Bangkok there must be areas where a lot more than 60% use drugs. If Chalerm detected this high usage in "his" part of Bangkok then maybe he should talk to his family and neighbors to find out why so many people around him take drugs.
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hillfarang
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Discussion 7 : 24 Jan 2013 at 08.217
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"About 60% of people in Bangkok used illegal drugs, according to the deputy prime minister in charge of the police force."

If true, this is something to seriously consider. This is beyond just breaking the law & has infiltrated deep into Thailand's urban society.
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bkk-farang
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Discussion 6 : 24 Jan 2013 at 07.516
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And what is Chalerm’s recommendation for top rank politicians who are drunk on duty? Should they be arrested on the spot or escorted into the next rehabilitation center?
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meme
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Discussion 5 : 24 Jan 2013 at 07.085
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This is the same guy who earlier said he wanted to kill them on the spot 'Thaksin style' ...
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upena
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Discussion 4 : 24 Jan 2013 at 05.514
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Thought he wanted speedy trials and executions for druggies - now, rehab. And, where does the claim of 60% of Bangkokians are drug users come from?
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jacksprat
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Discussion 3 : 23 Jan 2013 at 23.283
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"He can change police practice or in other words change the law, just by saying so." Why not? It was a proclamation that set up the bizarre liquor sale hours. There is no law to back it up.
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geoffo
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Discussion 2 : 23 Jan 2013 at 22.462
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6 million illegal drug users in Bangkok according to Big C. While that figure is obviously plucked out of the sky it does not paint a positive picture of the PTP Governor candidate who headed the Narcotics Board located in central Bangkok.
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CMfarang
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Discussion 1 : 23 Jan 2013 at 22.181
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Wow. He can change police practice or in other words change the law, just by saying so.
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Thai deputy PM shows a softer side on failed drug tests | Bangkok Post: news

Chalerm favours rehab for drug users

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