BANGKOK, 17 August 2011 (NNT) – Over 13.4% of teens in Bangkok and vicinities are estimated to engage themselves in narcotic drugs, according to a recent survey by Assumption University Research Centre (ABAC Poll).

The survey was conducted with 1,815 samples of youth out of a total of 1,606,286 youngsters aged from 12 to 24 years old in Bangkok and vicinities, with the standard deviation of 7%. The study was carried out from 1 to 15 August 2011 as part of the Monitoring the Quality of Thai Youth project.

Based on the study analysis, between 202,392 and 327,682 young people in Bangkok and vicinities, or 13.4% of the total population, are estimated to engage themselves in narcotic drugs, excluding alcohol and tobacco.

ABAC Poll suggested that social networks should be created to suppress narcotic drugs and crime continuously and seriously. Notifications from the police should be sent out to citizens, encouraging them to monitor and prevent narcotic drug trafficking and other crimes.

In addition, a grand-scale search should be conducted through all communities and premises with a fine-tooth comb, which will help cut the ring of narcotic drug dealers and their supporters.

The last suggestion is to reform the rehabilitation for drug addicts by using a transparent screening process to ensure that no drug dealers would mingle with addicts in custody and form drug trafficking networks inside rehabilitation houses.

Treated addicts should also be monitored for at least five years to ensure that they really have become good citizens of the society, work in honest jobs, do no harm to the society and have stability in their lives.

Reporter: Santibhap Ussavasodhi
National News Bureau of Thailand