Chiang mai: The Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB) and the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) have summarized their 2026 annual operations and found an increase in drug trafficking. According to Thai News Agency, the NSB and ONCB seized over 200 million methamphetamine pills, marking a more than 50-fold increase. They are preparing to continue their key mission in the 2027 fiscal year.
At the Green Lake Hotel in Chiang Mai City, Lieutenant General Worathep Boonyaratg, Commander of the 3rd Army Area, and Police Lieutenant Colonel Suriya Singhakamol, Secretary-General of the ONCB, chaired a meeting to discuss the operational results for 2026. Representatives from relevant security agencies participated in the meeting to address narcotics suppression and prevention efforts, and to strengthen villages and communities along the border.
The commander of the 3rd Army Region highlighted an increase in drug production and smuggling along the borders, driven by the expansion of transnational networks. Domestically, methamphetamine remains the most prevalent drug, while there is also high demand for crystal methamphetamine, heroin, and ketamine from third countries. Drug trafficking groups are adapting their methods and routes, using logistics systems, modifying vehicles, concealing drugs among agricultural produce, and employing children and drones for smuggling.
The 35th Narcotics Suppression Unit reported seizing over 612 million methamphetamine pills and over 22,000 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine between October 1, 2025, and August 31, 2026. Fifty-three members of drug trafficking groups were killed during these operations. Compared to the same period in 2025, methamphetamine seizures increased by approximately 217 million pills, representing a 54.94% rise. Seizures of crystal methamphetamine and ketamine increased by approximately 32.68%, while heroin seizures decreased.
Key initiatives for fiscal year 2027 include proposing the declaration of controlled areas under the Emergency Decree on Controlled Goods, nominating specific goods or chemicals as controlled substances, and expanding efforts to dismantle major drug trafficking networks by apprehending high-ranking officials and seizing assets.