Buriram: The "United Power of Love and Faith" camp has been launched to engage the community in combating drug abuse. The Speaker of Parliament inaugurated the 10th camp, aiming to harness the power of communities, temples, and families to address the drug problem sustainably.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Sophon Saram, President of the Parliament and Speaker of the House of Representatives, presided over the opening ceremony of the 10th rehabilitation camp, "United Power of Love and Faith: Integrated Approach to Solving Drug Problems," at Wat Chantrawas, Ban Phak Kad Ya, Lam Plai Mas Subdistrict, Lam Plai Mas District, Buriram Province. The camp has 52 individuals participating in the rehabilitation program. Mr. Sophon stated that the project has been ongoing for three years, with Wat Chantrawas serving as a rehabilitation center due to its role as a gathering place for the local community. He noted the strong cooperation from local government agencies and the public, resulting in a more than 50% reduction in drug users, especially among youth.
Mr. Sophon emphasized the need for continuous effort in the fight against drug abuse, recounting his time as Deputy Prime Minister when he introduced this project to the government. The government then adopted it as a model and incorporated it into their policy, requiring every district to have a drug rehabilitation center. He acknowledged the reality of drug cessation treatment and stressed the importance of faith in the work to solve the problem.
Mr. Jamlong Yaitaisong, the mayor of Talat Pho Subdistrict Administrative Organization, mentioned that government agencies now rarely need to search for drug addicts as local people help in monitoring and supervising. Before the project, there was skepticism about quitting drugs, but the project's success in reducing drug addicts has proven its effectiveness and increased local cooperation.
Ms. Pranom Hanprakon, Director of the Ban Wan Phatthana Sub-district Health Promotion Hospital, highlighted that the Speaker of Parliament's work is not just theoretical but practical, allowing the community to witness the results firsthand. This builds trust and cooperation among local people. After completing treatment camps, the Sub-district Health Promotion Hospital provides care for patients for one year, including follow-up evaluations, with the community playing a crucial role in the project's success.
Kittipong Charoongrum, headman of Thamenchai Subdistrict, stated that the project has been running for several generations with over 50% success. Parents whose children have participated are grateful and eager to bring their drug-addicted children to the rehabilitation camp, reinforcing the project's impact.