2025 ICDP: YABA&Drugs

ClosingRemarks


Four experts shared their perspectives on addressing the synthetic drug problem, particularly methamphetamine, covering the current situation, operational measures, and ways to enhance international cooperation. After Dr. Sayamol Charoenratana invited and welcomed all speakers and participants to this session, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Manop Kanato facilitated the conversation.


Dr. Sawitri Assanangkornchai, INCB, pointed out that the expansion of production from small laboratories to industrial plants, along with the use of numerous new precursors, necessitates proactive measures, such as controlling 18 additional chemicals, working with the private sector to block access to drug production equipment, using the GRIDS system for real-time data exchange, and blocking nearly 100,000 online sales. She emphasized that solving the problem requires global cooperation across suppression, prevention, and treatment.


This point aligns with the proposal of Anya Busse, WHO, who pointed out that despite international standards for prevention and treatment, only 8% of those seeking treatment receive services. Therefore, the need for expedited implementation of existing evidence and guidelines, coupled with collaborative research under the Scale Up Initiative, is crucial to create consistency in studies and enhance data analysis capabilities. and linking with international policies, such as the 2016 United Nations General Assembly conclusions and the Sustainable Development Goals for Health.


Prof. Michael Farrell from UNSW extended his vision to the future, pointing out that the world is entering an "age of synthetic drugs," which requires both regional cooperation and the development of international treatment guidelines, along with capacity building for frontline personnel, including training, acquiring tools and resources, and in-depth research, to prepare for the complex and rapidly changing problems.


Finally, Prof. Mark Potenza, as the incoming president of ISAM, aligns the roles of over 40 addiction medicine associations worldwide through regional councils, general meetings, expert networks, rapid situation surveys, and the development of new physicians. He emphasized that addressing the synthetic drug problem requires identifying knowledge gaps, exchanging experiences, and coordinating international connections for an effective and sustainable response.

ClosingRemarks l 2025 ICDP: YABA&Drugs ClosingRemarks ..Four experts shared their perspectives on addressing the synthetic drug problem, particularly methamphetamine, covering the current situatio...

Role of Civil Society


Community and civil society work are also key mechanisms for creating safety nets that support these vulnerable groups from falling behind in society, particularly those formerly involved with drug problems in the criminal justice system. This session is organized by HuSE (Center of Human Security and Equity), Chulalongkorn University, and moderated by Dr. Sayamol Charoenratana, its director.


As Banjong Sae-Ung, from the Nong Khaem garbage dump community, demonstrated in his community experience, most drug users are vulnerable and minor individuals. Communities with a Christian database visit inmates and care for ex-offenders, implementing a welcoming process to the community to prevent stigma and empower former drug users, enabling many to quit drugs on their own without relying on external systems.


Dr. Namtae Meeboonsalang, Office of the Attorney General, offered an analytical perspective highlighting the challenges facing the state, reflected in the phenomenon of the majority of arrests being of minor individuals, while the main perpetrators escape scrutiny and prosecution. The primary cause is a system of power rife with exploitation and corruption in the justice system and law enforcement.


Charunee Siriphan, Foundation for Diversity Rights, presented a civil society approach to addressing the problem, emphasizing humanity and human rights. This approach involves creating a safe space called "Baan Samoe" to care for drug users in all aspects, both physically and mentally, and advocating for fair and appropriate laws.

Role of Civil Society l 2025 ICDP: YABA&Drugs Role of Civil Society..Community and civil society work are also key mechanisms for creating safety nets that support these vulnerable groups from falling be...

After-prison Release Care


Various approaches to post-prison care emphasize the importance of community support, holistic health care, and addressing barriers to reintegration.


Dr. Pokin Sakrinkul of Lamphun Hospital presented a holistic health care approach for the incarcerated population, based on community-based care. This approach, through a case study of the ACHAN network, focused on the care of ex-inmates with drug addiction, emphasizing continuity and access to services after release.


Dominic Fernandez of the Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association (SANA) in Singapore presented a post-release support program for recovering drug users and their families, emphasizing the role of the community and providing continuity of care.


Nami Kim of Samhyuk University in South Korea presented a post-prison care program in South Korea, recognizing the complex needs of those with drug use disorders in the reintegration process. Barry Sacks of the Bridge Group in the United States presented Project STARTS + (PS+), which helps ex-inmates plan their reintegration into the community within 48 hours of release.


Thanachai Sundaravej of the Thailand Institute of Justice The Restart Academy initiative aims to reduce the negative impact of high-risk drug-related behavior among former inmates through a safe and sustainable reintegration process.

After-prison Release Care l 2025 ICDP: YABA&Drugs After-prison Release Care..Various approaches to post-prison care emphasize the importance of community support, holistic health care, and addressing barrier...

Drug-related Social Policy from Multisectoral Perspectives


Policy advocacy to address drug-related issues in society can be implemented across multiple sectors. This session was organized by PSAT (Public Sociological Association (Thailand)) and moderated by Cholnapa Anukul, its president and the research director of JuSRI (Just Society Research Institute).


Apiradee Phoprom, Supreme Court, outlined the court's progress in expanding its scope of work to address post-release recidivism. She utilized a drug court framework, which aligns with the court's approach to treatment over punishment, with psychosocial clinics serving as a key mechanism in the rehabilitation process.


Asst. Prof. Dr. Niyada Kiattingangsulee, Chulalongkorn University, highlighted the diverse nature of drug abuse in society. Policy advocacy therefore involves analyzing the policy ecosystem to identify relevant agencies and develop participatory processes.


Asst. Prof. Pattarawan Thongyai, Faculty of Law, Ramkhamhaeng University, pointed out that the modern narcotics code has shifted the paradigm from viewing drug users as patients instead of criminals. This aims to divert users from the criminal justice system and introduce them into the treatment process.


Somphop Nantakowat, Supreme Court, presented a study of barriers to court referrals for treatment, aiming to reduce the number of cases in court and refer more users to treatment. Empirical data gathered led to policy measures to expand the effectiveness of this work.

Drug-related Social Policy from Multisectoral Perspectives l 2025 ICDP: YABA&Drugs Drug-related Social Policy from Multisectoral Perspectives..Policy advocacy to address drug-related issues in society can be implemented across multiple sect...

Exploring the Future of Research Funding for Drug-related Issues in Thailand


Dr. Yosawan Boriboonthana, Department of Probation, Ministry of Justice, revealed the severity of the drug situation, particularly the increasing number of methamphetamine users, primarily children, youth, and working-age individuals. Budgetary constraints prevent the treatment system from covering all target groups, and frontline workers like probation officers and prison officials are being overwhelmed with additional psychosocial work.


Chansuda Tantivejwanich of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) emphasized the importance of funding sources supporting drug research for prevention, treatment, and suppression. Currently, there are only two primary funding sources: ONCB grants for civil society organizations and the Fund, which provides grants to government and non-profit private agencies.

Exploring the Future of Research Funding for Drug-related Issues in Thailand | 2025 ICDP: YABA&Drugs Exploring the Future of Research Funding for Drug-related Issues in Thailand..Dr. Yosawan Boriboonthana, Department of Probation, Ministry of Justice, reveal...

Optimizing Controlled Medicines Policy: Balancing Access and Safety


Viroj Sumyai, former INCB member, points out persistent inequality in access to affordable opioid analgesics like morphine, especially in lower-income countries, and urges the development of treatment programmes using controlled substances such as methadone and buprenorphine, while noting the added challenge of ensuring access during armed conflict.


Building on this, Diah Setia Utami, from Indonesia’s National Narcotics Board, presents the MMT outpatient maintenance therapy approach as one such programme to reduce opioid dependence harm through long-term pharmacotherapy. She warns, however, of practical barriers including declining patient numbers, stigma, legal violations, crime, limited staffing, and insufficient budgets.


Addressing these systemic issues, Sawitri Assanangkornchai, also from the INCB, stresses the importance of balancing access with safety—allowing legitimate medical use, preventing misuse, and reducing social harm. She calls for stronger national regulation, better data and forecasting, enhanced training, and ongoing monitoring and research to ensure safe, equitable, and affordable access to controlled medicines.
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Optimizing Controlled Medicines Policy: Balancing Access and Safety | 2025 ICDP: YABA&Drugs Optimizing Controlled Medicines Policy: Balancing Access and Safety..Viroj Sumyai, former INCB member, points out persistent inequality in access to affordab...

Road to recovery for yaba users


This session was moderated by Supodjanee Chutidamrong, Director of Drug Treatment and Social Reintegration Coordination Division, Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), Thailand. Each speaker shared their experiences of yaba users' recovery, and emphasized the significant role of community.


Samuel Nugraha of SMART Recovery Indonesia proposed a community-centered approach adapted for methamphetamine users, aiming to make it accessible to all. It focused on a broad range of addictive behaviors, not just substance use. It offered in-person and online sessions, included evidence-based tools such as CBT and MI, and even specialized modules for juvenile detention centers.


Sangwon Sombatmai of the Hug Chumchon Association presented his experience caring for drug addicts, including methamphetamine, emphasizing community and family psychotherapy, using Buddhist principles and family participation, emphasizing sustainable behavior change and intrinsic motivation for those seeking recovery.


Chanchai Phophanich of Thanyarak Hospital, Khon Kaen, explained the role of various agencies in methamphetamine user rehabilitation, emphasizing that the hospital provided academic support and encouraged other agencies to implement the initiative. The Ministry of Interior, as the primary host, established the Social Rehabilitation Center under Article 118 of the Act. He also emphasized the importance of community-centered interventions and the participation of methamphetamine users in designing their own recovery strategies to ensure sustainability in helping those who want to quit using methamphetamine.

Road to recovery for yaba users | 2025 ICDP: YABA&Drugs Road to recovery for yaba users..This session was moderated by Supodjanee Chutidamrong, Director of Drug Treatment and Social Reintegration Coordination Divi...

Developing Kratom-Based Treatments for Substance Use Disorders


Pharmacist Theerathorn Sangharai, Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Ministry of Public Health, explained research adapting ancient medicinal recipes. The results showed that these herbal extracts have a beneficial effect on the brain, helping to balance dopamine and alleviate drug addiction without being harmful to cells.


Asst. Prof. Dr. Arun Lao-ub then revealed the results of a study that found a relationship between blood metragynine levels and white blood cell counts, which may be an indicator of the effects of kratom on the body.


Finally, Asst. Prof. Dr. Somchai Sriwiriyachan, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, discussed the potential use of kratom leaves as a component in pharmaceutical production. This is because the plant contains metragynine, which binds to receptors in the nervous system and can be used in the treatment of drug withdrawal symptoms, particularly in patients addicted to opiates or he**in.

Developing Kratom-Based Treatments for Substance Use Disorders | 2025 ICDP: YABA&Drugs Developing Kratom-Based Treatments for Substance Use Disorders..Pharmacist Theerathorn Sangharai, Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Mi...

Drug Early Warning System (DEWS)


Initially, Prof. Dr. Nadine Ezard introduced Australia's drug early warning system, beginning with an integrated framework for rapid risk reduction and response. This framework encompasses data collection, real-time signal detection, collaborative networks for data interpretation and response, and risk communication. Australia's strength lies in multi-stakeholder collaboration to share fragmented data. Weaknesses lie in data quantity and quality, the competence of health laboratory personnel, broad perspectives, and national governance.


Pol. Col. Dr. Theerin Sinchai, Institute of Forensic Medicine, Police General Hospital, proposed developing a drug early warning system in Thailand. She proposed enhancing the capacity of toxicology laboratories and developing interagency collaboration to control precursor or related substances for new drugs.


Ms. Supranee Pantatan, Institute of Forensic Medicine, presented a method for detecting drugs in wastewater to monitor drug use in communities.

Drug Early Warning System (DEWS) | 2025 ICDP: YABA&Drugs Drug Early Warning System (DEWS)..Initially, Prof. Dr. Nadine Ezard introduced Australia's drug early warning system, beginning with an integrated framework ...

Harm Reduction for Yaba and Methamphetamine Users


Case studies from various countries show that amphetamine harm reduction must be tailored to the specific drug use patterns. Pascal Tanguay, an independent researcher from Thailand, has pointed out the increasing trend of methamphetamine use through smoking, resulting in health risks. Distributing safe smoking devices to reduce these effects in Indonesia, Kazakhstan, and the UK has increased access to users and increased access to public health services.


Eleanor Ong presented a case study in Singapore, where drug prohibition policies make access to treatment difficult. Therefore, services are provided by trained peer groups of drug users, providing individual counseling, working with communities and families, and providing referrals.


Meanwhile, a study by Nguyen Minh Trang found that methamphetamine users often experience mental health symptoms, incomplete treatment, and ultimately lead to unsafe s*x and HIV infection. Therefore, comprehensive services are being provided, including HIV reduction, drug harm reduction, psychiatric treatment, and trauma care.

Harm Reduction for Yaba and Methamphetamine Users | 2025 ICDP: YABA&Drugs Harm Reduction for Yaba and Methamphetamine Users..Case studies from various countries show that amphetamine harm reduction must be tailored to the specific ...

Drugs in the Thai Context: Risk, Stigma, and Prevention at the Individual and Social Levels


Research by Dr. Sayamol Charoenratana from the Chulalongkorn University Social Research Institute found that every relapse to drug use occurs when faced with adversity. Those who have undergone treatment experience a better quality of life than those who have not.


Associate Professor Dr. Patcharaporn Srisawat from Srinakharinwirot University found that children who have never tried drugs have higher immunity factors than those who have tried, and those who have been attempting have more negative contextual factors. This led to the design of activities for children to engage in to build psychological capital, which can be used to prevent drug use.


Furthermore, a study by Dr. Wssana Sjiumpa from Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University found that a cycle of stigmatization persists, even after quitting, that hinders recovery and reintegration into society.


A synthesis of research on factors influencing drug use behavior (2019–2024) by Asst. Prof. Dr. Preechaya Nakfon from Srinakharinwirot University found that Thai research focuses on overall risk factors, while other countries focus on specific protective factors. The recommendation from this research is that the ONCB should have a research strategy to gain more knowledge that can be applied to policy work.

Drugs in the Thai Context | 2025 ICDP: YABA&Drugs Drugs in the Thai Context: Risk, Stigma, and Prevention at the Individual and Social Levels..Research by Dr. Sayamol Charoenratana from the Chulalongkorn Uni...

Yaba, methamphetamine and synthetic drugs situation in Thailand


Assoc. Prof. Pol. Lt. Col. Dr. Poonrat Leeyatikul, from Wongchawalitkul University, explained that it is very difficult to know the true situation because government data does not separate drug use data by drug type. Therefore, a research project surveying Thai households in the northern region and Bangkok focused on drug users in entertainment venues using ecstasy and ketamine, with the majority of drug users being male.


Ms. Kanitha Thaikla from the Health Science Research Institute, Chiang Mai University, provided a picture of the online drug situation, focusing on the supply side. A survey of drug sales on Facebook, X, and Line revealed that fentanyl is being sold online, with an increase in new sellers, both retail and wholesale. Payments are being closed in Line groups. Bangkok is a concentrated sales area. The selling point is fast and immediate delivery.


Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wisal Worasuwanrak used forensic databases to survey the demand side of various institutions in the network and found that drug use is increasing among teenagers. Drugs are being combined into cocktails. Overdoses and mixed drugs were observed during the Songkran festival.


Mr. Kritsadakorn Sorthong, the Raks Thai Foundation, Data on drug use by injection methods showed that the trend of drug users is getting younger, at age 13 (2024). Methamphetamine + Ice+ o***m derivatives are being used together more often. Laborers in Trang use methamphetamine the most, but tourist destinations like Songkhla use Ice a lot.

Yaba, methamphetamine and synthetic drugs situation in Thailand | 2025 ICDP: YABA&Drugs Yaba, methamphetamine and synthetic drugs situation in Thailand..Assoc. Prof. Pol. Lt. Col. Dr. Poonrat Leeyatikul, from Wongchawalitkul University, explaine...