Anutin Chairs Drug Meeting, Urges Source Interdiction
Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul chaired a national narcotics control meeting emphasizing the need to intercept drugs at production sources before they enter Thailand. The meeting reviewed a recent Phetchaburi operation where two suspects died in a shootout and large amounts of crystal methamphetamine were seized. Anutin praised the officers involved while urging strict attention to safety and legal compliance in ongoing drug suppression efforts.
Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, in his capacity as Interior Minister, chaired the third meeting of the Narcotics Control Committee for 2026 at 9:30 a.m. on October 22 at the Phakdi Bodin Building, Government House. Attendees included Defence Minister Adul Boonthamcharoen, Justice Minister Ruttaphon Naowarat, Royal Thai Police Chief Pol. Gen. Phana Klaewplodthuk, Second Army Region Commander Lt. Gen. Veerayut Raksin, National Police Deputy Commissioner Pol. Lt. Gen. Samran Nuanma, ONCB Secretary-General Pol. Lt. Gen. Sarayut Nuanma, and relevant agencies.
The Prime Minister stated the meeting convened under Section 10 of the Narcotics Act, which requires the committee to meet at least four times annually. The government continues to tackle the drug problem comprehensively. The key mission is accelerating action against drug production sources before they are trafficked into Thailand. Discussions were held with relevant agencies and coordination with neighboring countries to jointly address the interconnected regional problem.
The Prime Minister also noted the government has continuously suppressed drugs, monitoring and intercepting smuggling in Kaeng Khoi District, Phetchaburi Province, over the past 2-3 days. During an arrest operation, a shootout occurred resulting in two suspects killed, while officers seized a large quantity of crystal methamphetamine (ice), currently being counted and verified officially to maximize investigative leads.
The Prime Minister commended and encouraged all police officers who performed their duties with full commitment in intercepting drug trafficking networks, along with all involved agencies. Such missions carry high risks requiring caution, expertise, and courage. He urged every officer to prioritize their own safety and that of their colleagues, and called on commanders to provide comprehensive support to ensure missions are safe, effective, decisive, and conducted strictly within the law.
