Resident Coordinator's Remarks at the High-Level Meeting on New Narcotics Code of Thailand

Colleagues and friends,

It is a pleasure to join you today at this high-level meeting on the new Narcotics Code in Thailand, which marks a clear achievement with tangible positive impacts on people’s lives and the health of society as a whole.

The UN appreciates how much progress has been made recently on the new Code, and I want to acknowledge the partners here today who have helped to make this possible:

• Dr. Phiset Sa-ardyen, Executive Director, Thailand Institute of Justice;
• Mr. Thanakorn Kaiyanunta, Deputy Secretary-General, Office of the Narcotics Control Board;
• Dr. Phattarapol Jungsomjatepaisal, Deputy Director, Narcotics Control Management Centre;
• Mr. Greg Shaw, Regional Director, US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement;
• And Mr. Jeremy Douglas, Regional Representative, UNODC

As you may know, we have recently finalized the Cooperation Framework that will guide all of the UN’s work in Thailand over the next five years, in line with Thailand’s National Strategy and milestones set by the draft 13th National Economic and Social Development Plan.

The Cooperation Framework includes the key strategic outcome to ensure that all people benefit from and participate in development, free from discrimination, and leaving no one behind.

This high-level meeting on Thailand’s New Narcotics Code directly contributes to that strategy. People who use drugs and those with drug-use disorder certainly are at risk of being left furthest behind, with lifelong consequences for themselves, their communities and the country.

The new Narcotics Code presents us with an essential opportunity for collaboration with the Government, to achieve our shared goals and advance the overall 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

It is Thailand’s chance to show that valuing human life requires greater effort than locking people in prison. It is a chance to provide cutting-edge scientific drug use prevention and treatment alternatives for people in contact with the criminal justice system, as a human rights priority and for the improved welfare of all of society.

Not too long ago, I had the opportunity to participate in the launch of a regional report on compulsory drug treatment in East and Southeast Asia drafted by UNODC and UNAIDS.

The report highlighted how forced detoxification and treatment has many negative consequences. The evidence and best available science shows us that a punitive approach to drugs never fully addresses the reasons behind drug use and the subsequent development of drug use disorders.

This is part of the ongoing UN effort supporting Government and civil society in this regard. UNODC, UNAIDS and UNDP in Thailand have collaborated on HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care ensuring people who use drugs are not left behind.

This joint UN engagement ensures that the UN offers the best technical expertise to the Government. Collaboration drawing on each of our areas of specialization and strengths is essential to achieve the social, policy and legal changes that will do the most good.

In her recent visit to Thailand, Deputy Secretary-General Mohammed emphasized that we need to invest in women and youth, people with disabilities, those in the informal sector and migrants, to achieve the SDGs in Thailand and the region. This focus must also extend to people who are marginalized due to drug use, who are part of society and can make substantial contributions if freed from discrimination or overly penalized approaches.

This high-level meeting today highlights our joint efforts and the role the UN should play to bring different perspectives to the table to achieve a common understanding and tangible outcomes benefitting Thailand and the people most at risk.  

The UN recognizes the considerable progress Thailand has made with the new Narcotics Code and we stand ready to further support the Government in implementing people-centered drug policies benefitting all of society. Thank you and I look forward to the productive discussions today.