NCJ Number
195711
Date Published
February 2000
Length
131 pages
Annotation
This study examined the supply, demand, and market clearing mechanisms of illegal drugs in Bangkok, Thailand, specifically amphetamines and the development of national and international drug policies.
Abstract
Sharing extensive borders with some of the largest producers in the world of amphetamines and heroin, drugs in Thailand are both cheap and easily available. With its geographic location, Bangkok, Thailand is experiencing an amphetamine epidemic among its youth. The drug is used predominately as a social drug with an increase in drug-related corruption as sellers and buyers pay-off law enforcement. The goals and objectives of this study were to investigate the decisions made by illicit drug consumers, producers, and distributors involved in the illegal drug market, provide a solid basis for the development of drug policies both nationally and internationally, and prepare a comprehensive study of the illicit drug market in Bangkok. This study was based on both primary and secondary research methodologies. Primary included a survey, interviews, and focus group discussions and secondary consisted of an extensive literature review. Study limitations included: a survey representative of primarily the poor; to be selected treatment centers had to be a sufficient size and have clients using both heroin and amphetamines; and the survey was slanted towards the type of drug users who ended up in treatment centers. The report consists of three primary sections: (1) the supply of drugs to Bangkok; (2) the demand and drug use in Bangkok; and (3) information about the price and quality of illegal drugs in Bangkok, and the market structure at different levels of the supply chain. Amphetamine is the most available drug in the market with few shortages occurring. The survey showed that drug users adjusted their behavior as prices changed. In addition, marijuana was also easy to find while heroin was prevalent only among specific groups. When amphetamines were used by youth, they were used before group activities such as drinking, motorcycle racing, dancing, and sports to increase their pleasure. Amphetamine and heroin users took drugs for different reasons. Heroin use was caused by the tension of personal and social problems and amphetamine use was the result of curiosity and peers. Anti-drug policies have not been effective on the demand side, experiencing many obstacles. Study recommendations included: (1) a national policy to cope with the drug issue should be broadened to cover other measures such as implementation community, and restructuring of the education system; (2) support for research on the feasibility of using amphetamine to assist heroin addicts in detoxification process; (3) law enforcement must be serious in prosecuting and incarcerating police officials found guilty of drug offenses; and (4) the industrial policy of Thailand should emphasize labor productivity growth and not seek further low-cost labor industries. References and appendices I-III