Korawee Pairod. A policy analysis of state-civil unity to save the villages/communities from narcotics act of 2016-2017 : Bangkok. Master's Degree(Addiction Studies). Mahidol University. Mahidol University Library and Knowledge Center. : Mahidol University, 2018.
A policy analysis of state-civil unity to save the villages/communities from narcotics act of 2016-2017 : Bangkok
Abstract:
The government policy of "State-Civil Unity to Save the Villages/ Communities from Narcotics Act of 2016-17" has the goal of prevailing over the problem of drug addiction in 81,905 villages/communities throughout the nation. The policy calls for a strategy and process of public engagement, with national oversight from the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB). The vision is that this strategy will create a cascade of action from the national, to the regional, the provincial, and district levels. This research had the objective to analyze this policy as applied in Bangkok. This was a mixed-method research starting with a review of the existing documentation for the period of 2016-2017. Primary data were collected by group interview with six key informants from the study areas. In addition, a cross-sectional survey was conducted in purposively-selected communities including interviews with 422 members of the general population. This research found that the study area had a local Drug Control Committee made of members from multiple sectors. Two-thirds of members were from the government agencies. The principal implementing agency was the community development unit in collaboration with administrative offices. The activities were implemented according to the plan and projects based on the guidance and funding from the ONCB. Key activities included motivating the local residents to increase concern about the harm of drug addiction and learning prevention tactics. Based on the community survey, most residents (59%) were aware of the policy and implementation, and two-thirds participated in the implementation at a 'moderate' level. However, some residents were hesitant of becoming too involved out of concern for their personal safety. Based on the findings of this study, it seems that the government needs to continue to take the leadership role in drug control, employing a community-led approach starting from the ordinary people in the society.