HTTP/1.0 200 OK Content-Type: text/html Public Senses War On Drugs Futile 
Pubdate: Sun, 20 Mar 2005
Source: Bangkok Post (Thailand)
Contact:  The Post Publishing Public Co., Ltd. 2005
Website: http://www.bangkokpost.co.th/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/39

PUBLIC SENSES WAR ON DRUGS FUTILE

Campaign Backed, But Confidence Low In Poll

The majority of people polled in 25 provinces across the country have no 
confidence in the government's ability to eradicate drugs from Thailand.

In a recent survey by Assumption University's Abac poll, 68% of 5,168 
respondents, representing a range of age groups, said they had no 
confidence in the plan's success, while only 23% thought the campaign would 
be successful.

However, 74% of respondents supported the campaign to eradicate drugs, 
saying they were ready to provide information and clues regarding illicit 
drugs to the authorities.

About half said they were willing to help spread information about the 
dangers of drugs .

About 62% of respondents wanted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to 
continue with the campaign against drugs and a similar percentage said the 
government should take tough action against politicians and state officials 
found to be involved in the drug trade.

The survey found that more people had become aware of drug problems in 
their communities this year than last.

The poll also indicated that more people have become involved in the use of 
speed pills, glue, marijuana, as well as krathom leaves.

However, fewer people were involved in the use of ketamine and opium.

The poll, which was released yesterday, was conducted among different age 
groups and communities in Bangkok and other provinces between Feb 15 and 
March 18.

Provinces include Samut Prakan, Nonthaburi, Kanchanaburi, Pathum Thani, 
Chiang Mai, Uttaradit, Nakhon Sawan, Kamphaeng Phet, Rayong, Chon Buri, 
Prachin Buri, Nakhon Ratchasima, Si Sa Ket, Nong Khai, Ubon Ratchathani, 
Yasothon, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Roi Et, Sakon Nakhon, Ranong, Nakhon Si 
Thammarat, Surat Thani and Songkhla.
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