BANGKOK — An estimated 1.5 million Thais aged 12–65 used methamphetamine (yaba) in 2024, with around 330,000 needing treatment and 220,000 suffering from mental health conditions, according to data presented by the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) on Wednesday.
The findings, part of a joint research effort between the ONCB and a national substance abuse academic network, were revealed during a presentation chaired by ONCB secretary-general Pol Lt Gen Panurat Lakboon. The goal: to guide regional drug prevention and rehabilitation strategies.
Methamphetamine pills remain the most abused drug in Thailand, followed by ecstasy, heroin, crystal meth, ketamine, opium, cocaine, and inhalants. Additionally, 21,000 users were found to consume multiple substances — a group classified as high-risk and in need of specialized care.
To tackle the crisis, the ONCB will intensify collaboration through its newly formed national centre for drug treatment and rehabilitation, while provincial coordination meetings are held twice monthly to improve grassroots response efforts.
On drug trafficking, Panurat confirmed that Shan State in Myanmar, particularly areas controlled by the Wa group, remains a key production hub for methamphetamine flooding into Thailand.
