Sukhothai Model Community Helps Drug Users Build Sustainable New Lives
A protective community program in Sukhothai is helping drug rehabilitation graduates rebuild their lives through job training and income-generating activities, with former users now selling produce and supporting their families through comm
Ban Lan Thong, a model protective community in Sukhothai, has received funding to support job training and help rehabilitation graduates rebuild their lives sustainably. The Institute for Learning and Development Foundation, in partnership with the Health Promotion Fund (HPF), visited Moo 11, Ban Lan Thong, Wang Nam Khao Subdistrict, Ban Dan Lan Hoy District, Sukhothai Province, to monitor the implementation of the community protection programme (CBTx) and commend the community's success in drug treatment and rehabilitation. Dr. Yongyut Wongphiromyasanti, foundation president, joined district and subdistrict officials in learning from the "protective community" process, which aims to transform perceptions from "user" to "person with opportunity" through holistic treatment and rehabilitation supported by community cooperation, local leaders, and partner networks to reduce stigma and enable people to reclaim their place in society.
One former user shared how they now feel they have a new life, with community support enabling them to sell produce from a mobile vegetable cart, generating income to support themselves and their family. Their mother provided essential care during recovery, emphasizing that with determination, recovery is achievable. Dr. Yongyut said the HPF is advancing drug policy under the concept "patients are people with opportunity," aiming to reduce risk factors, build protective factors, and develop sustainable care systems at the community level that combine health and social dimensions.
District Chief Kanitthawat Bamrung noted that operations have secured cooperation from all sectors, with the district quality-of-life committee prioritizing drug problems and mental health. The district has established operation teams at multiple levels and created a "Five Tigers" task force to coordinate systemic, integrated work with clear roles, unified communication, and shared data for continuous monitoring. Subdistrict Health Officer Mahacha Sophonnithirat emphasized that the programme integrates cooperation with partner networks to address drugs effectively.
