Anutin Submits Two Bills to Strengthen Drug Laws

Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul led a Bhumjaithai Party delegation to submit two draft bills amending the Narcotics Act and the Narcotics Case Procedures Act to Parliament at 9:30 a.m. on October 21 at the Parliament House. Anutin, in his capacity as Bhumjaithai Party leader, submitted the drafts along with party MPs. House Speaker Sophon Sarin received the legislation.

Anutin explained that the core of the first bill is that anyone found in possession of narcotics will be presumed to possess them for sale, representing a tightening of the law. It also increases penalties for users and juveniles who commit drug offenses by exploiting legal gaps or loopholes, and sets clear, practical guidelines for rehabilitation. Additionally, it expands investigative powers to make suppression more effective, and grants Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) officials the authority to retrieve data from central databases for prosecuting drug users, treatment, and rehabilitation. It also authorizes the suspension or removal of computer data related to inducing others to use drugs.

Anutin added that the second bill amends the Narcotics Case Procedures Act to give the Narcotics Suppression Command police the power to petition criminal courts for orders to seize evidence in any form or channel for investigating drug offenses. It extends the period officials can detain suspects arrested for drug offenses from a maximum of three days to seven days, to improve investigative efficiency.

Furthermore, the bill allows guardians of individuals suspected of drug use to voluntarily apply for treatment and rehabilitation on their behalf, which Anutin said would tighten legal enforcement.

Anutin noted that the government is using all resources to prevent and suppress drugs. Just last night (October 20), an operation in Phetchaburi Province led to a gunfight between drug traffickers and officers, resulting in fatalities — an outcome the government wants to avoid. He said suppression operations are ongoing intensively every month involving police, ONCB, administrative officials, and soldiers. He recently approved four additional X-ray vehicles for the Royal Thai Police.

"In some border areas, clashes have occurred with losses. Fortunately, our side hasn't suffered casualties yet, but we cannot rely on luck forever. We must create comprehensive prevention and suppression measures to minimize losses. That is why the Bhumjaithai Party has proposed these draft bills."