Bangkok: The Ministry of Public Health is advancing its "Never Stop to Burn" mission, maintaining confidence that it will not circulate and destroy society. Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat presided over the 60th narcotics incineration ceremony, attended by a host of officials, including Dr. Somreuk Chungsamarn, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, and Police Major General Somboon Thienkhao, Deputy Commissioner of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, Royal Thai Police. Other key attendees included Pharmacist Suphattra Bunserm, Secretary-General of the Food and Drug Administration, and network partners from various government and enforcement agencies.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Phatthana emphasized that the Ministry of Public Health, alongside its network partners, is committed to the destruction of confiscated drugs. This event marks the 60th operation under the mission "Never Stop to Burn, Destroy, Be Confident, Do Not Circulate and Destroy Society." Confiscated drugs from 55,876 cases, weighing a total of 43,643 kilograms and 203 grams, have been approved for destruction. The largest amount of these drugs includes methamphetamine (Yaba) at over 24,095 kilograms, followed by methamphetamine (Ice), ketamine, and others. The hazardous waste incinerator operates with natural gas, utilizing a rotary kiln and re-incinerator to ensure more than 99.99% of hazardous organic compounds are destroyed, with no environmental impact.
Mr. Phatthana further noted the Ministry's dual role in both drug destruction and addiction treatment. The Food and Drug Administration handles drug preservation and reporting, while the Ministry leads drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation efforts in collaboration with relevant agencies. In fiscal year 2025, over 247,000 drug addicts received treatment through various programs, including outpatient and inpatient care, community-based treatment, and rehabilitation centers. Out of these, 150,000 individuals have successfully completed treatment and reintegrated into society.