PHUKET, THAILAND – Phuket has embarked on a sweeping anti-drug campaign, as provincial authorities pledged to turn Thailand’s most famous island into a ‘drug-free province’. Governor Saransak Srikruanetra made the declaration during a crisis meeting uniting senior officials from the police, health services and local administration.
Coordinated push under national strategy
The emergency session, held on 24 October at the Provincial Hall, brought together Vice-Governor Adul Chuthong, Police Colonel Sinlert Sukhum, and public health representatives. The initiative forms part of Thailand’s nationwide programme titled “Uniting Power, Love and Faith to Address the Integrated Drug Problem”, launched earlier this year by Deputy Prime Minister Sophon Saram in Buriram.
The national plan promotes the “Quick Big Win” approach, calling for visible results within four months. Governor Saransak said the island would align its local efforts with the broader campaign to reinforce prevention, suppression and rehabilitation work.
Progress and persistent challenges
Phuket’s authorities reported a 49% reduction in drug activity across the province, but Saransak warned against complacency. “We must continue focusing on prevention, enforcement and rehabilitation to ensure lasting success,” he said. Three vice governors have been assigned to oversee anti-drug operations across each district, coordinating between the police, health agencies and local administrative bodies.
Police Colonel Sinlert noted that the island’s geography – separated from Thailand’s major trade corridors – helps limit trafficking routes. Most cases on the island involved small-scale dealers rather than organised smuggling networks. Even so, official data showed 238 drug-related arrests in September 2025 alone, excluding offences tied to kratom or marijuana.
Rising arrests and emerging patterns
Across the 2025 fiscal year, running from October 2024 to September 2025, Phuket recorded 2,965 drug arrests – up 1.4% compared with the previous year. Methamphetamine tablets (known locally as Ya Bah), crystal meth (Ya Ice), cocaine and heroin were the most commonly seized substances.
Officials expressed concern over the growing number of young people and migrant workers becoming small-scale distributors. In response, Thiraphong Chuaychu, head of the provincial administration office, proposed mandatory urine testing for all applicants seeking new work permits on the island.
Expanding rehabilitation and prevention
Public health authorities are expanding treatment capacity. Dr Banphot, from the Provincial Public Health Office, said specialised rehabilitation services are available at Vachira Phuket, Patong, Chalong and Thalang hospitals. The province plans to strengthen networks of treatment and post-rehabilitation centres to help former users reintegrate into communities.
At the community level, the government is driving several initiatives. These include the youth-focused To Be Number One programme and the White Village, Free from Drugs campaign, designed to support prevention and outreach in local neighbourhoods.
Call for unity and long-term resolve
Governor Saransak concluded by appealing to residents and institutions to take collective ownership of the campaign. “This is not just a policy – it is our shared responsibility,” he said. “With unity and determination, Phuket can remain a model province in the fight against drugs.”
The declaration signals a renewed phase in Thailand’s ongoing struggle against narcotics, with Phuket seeking to balance strict enforcement with lasting community rehabilitation and awareness.