Narcotics Police Launch Safe Community Drive in Bangkok
Thai narcotics police launched a "Safe Community" operation on July 17 targeting drug dealers in Bangkok's Khlong Phra Khanong area, arresting three dealers and seizing methamphetamine as part of a nationwide initiative to strengthen commun
The Narcotics Suppression Command (NSC) launched operations on July 17, 2025, following government and National Police Office policy to seal off the community along Khlong Phra Khanong canal and arrest small-time drug dealers under the "Safe Community" initiative. Under national police leadership, including Police General Kittirat Panpetch, Deputy Police General Samran Nueamma, Police General Sompraseong Yenthuum, and Police Lt. Gen. Kritsada Kanchanalong, the operation designates drug problem resolution as a critical national priority requiring urgent action due to its impact on public suffering and safety.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Achayan Kraitong, commander of the Narcotics Suppression Command, recognized the importance of building strong community immunity and initiated the "Safe Community, Families Return" project aimed at making the public feel safe, reducing fear, and creating sustainability through a "people's state" mechanism. The NSC is driving this project to integrate drug prevention and suppression at the community level, emphasizing public participation in monitoring and preventing drug problems. The program develops civilian networks as a critical force for reporting drug dealers and monitoring at-risk individuals to prevent children and youth from becoming involved with drugs.
The NSC has coordinated with state agencies, network partners, and community leaders to improve the community environment through street lighting, closed-circuit television (CCTV) installation, and strengthened relationships between police and residents to enhance safety, reduce crime opportunities, and build public confidence. Since December 2024, the NSC has implemented the nationwide project in five communities covering 726 households, benefiting over 3,500 residents, installing 36 CCTV cameras and 40 streetlights, and arresting over 60 small-time dealers and users. Despite success in many areas, drug proliferation persists in some communities.
The NSC is therefore conducting proactive operations under the "Safe Community" project, coordinating with relevant agencies to implement encirclement measures, search drug-affected areas and drug caches, and work with community leaders and residents to prevent drug networks from re-entering the area, thus creating sustainable safety and improved quality of life. Today at 3:00 p.m., Pol. Lt. Gen. Achayan Kraitong and deputy commanders, together with police deputies and partner agencies including the Metropolitan Police, Department of Special Investigation (DSI), and Office of the Narcotics Control Board, announced the arrest of three drug dealers in the Khlong Phra Khanong community. Police seized 3.3 grams of crystal methamphetamine and conducted additional community searches. They also distributed essential supplies to 19 bedridden patients and elderly residents to relieve hardship and boost public morale. Pol. Lt. Gen. Achayan Kraitong stated that the "Safe Community" project is a continuation of efforts to secure neighborhoods.
