Activists backs exclusion of methamphetamine from dangerous drug list

BANGKOK, June 24 (TNA) - Representatives of activist groups related to narcotic issues have expressed their support for Thai Justice Minister General Paiboon Koomchaya's idea to exclude methamphetamine from the nation's list of dangerous narcotics. While sending their letter to a representative of the justice minister in Bangkok on Friday, Jarunee Siriphan, who represents the groups, told journalists that many agencies working on narcotic issues in the civil sector support General Paiboon's idea because 90 per cent of drug-related inmates are drug users and those who possessed illicit drugs for their own consumption, causing the problem of crowded prisons. Jarunee also proposed that the Justice Ministry apply the Public Health Ministry's effective measures on the rehabilitation of arrested drug users and joint projects to solve drug abuse and addiction with the civil sector. Besides, Jarunee said, drug-related agencies in the civil sector will propose a narcotic bill to the government at the end of this year to, among other issues, address issues concerning narcotic offences and rehabilitation. (TNA)