Buriram: "Sophon" opens Mini Thanyarak Nong Hong, uniting 6 districts to create a model for drug addiction treatment. Mr. Sophon Saram, President of the Parliament, presided over the opening ceremony of the "Mini Thanyarak" building at Nong Hong Hospital in Buriram Province. This initiative aims to expand access to drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation services, marking an important step in upgrading the local drug addiction treatment system. The services are designed to be more convenient, faster, and closer to home for the public, comprising a comprehensive pilot project across six districts.
According to Thai News Agency, the project includes Long-Term Care (LTC) Mini Thanyarak centers at Phutthaisong Hospital and Lam Plai Mat Hospital, as well as Integrated Medical Communication (IMC) Mini Thanyarak centers at Khu Muang Hospital, Ban Mai Chaiyaphot Hospital, Na Pho Hospital, and Nong Hong Hospital. Secure rooms in several areas have also been established to effectively care for drug addicts. Mr. Sophon emphasized a comprehensive strategy to tackle the drug problem, focusing on four key areas: prevention, suppression, rehabilitation, and legal improvements.
The prevention strategy aims to build immunity among children, youth, and the general public, reduce new drug users, and strengthen families and communities to monitor drug-related issues. Suppression efforts involve the integration of administrative sectors, police, and relevant agencies to intercept drug abuse and disrupt networks. Rehabilitation is supported by a care network in six districts, with Phutthaisong Hospital and Lam Plai Mat Hospital acting as academic mentors. These centers collaborate with the Buriram Provincial Learning Promotion Office (PLPO) and other agencies to enhance education, employment, and reintegration opportunities.
The Speaker of Parliament also highlighted the importance of reviewing narcotics-related laws, including those concerning alcohol, e-cigarettes, cannabis, and kratom, to align with current societal needs while safeguarding children and youth. Buriram Province places a priority on vulnerable groups, particularly pregnant women who use drugs, through collaboration between hospitals and health offices. This care ranges from antenatal services to postnatal home visits, aiming to minimize impacts on mothers, infants, and families.
The opening ceremony of the Mini-Thanyarak Building at Nong Hong Hospital was attended by notable figures, including Mr. Sak Saram, MP for Constituency 6; Mr. Somboon Suthirakool, Deputy Governor of Buriram Province; and Dr. Yutthana Suriya, Provincial Public Health Officer. The event signified the cooperation of multiple sectors in addressing the drug problem systematically, encompassing prevention, suppression, rehabilitation, and legal reforms, to foster a safe and sustainable society.