Centre offers start-up funding to ex-drug ‘patients’
AUTHORITIES granted start-up capital to 71 former drug users who successfully completed their rehabilitation programmes at a Bangkok-based centre.
They were all awarded certificates. The funding ceremony was held yesterday as Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) secretary-general Sirinya Sitdhichai led a team to inspect the screening and behavioural-adjustment centre for drug abusers in Bangkok. The centre offers free rehabilitation programmes. Those interested in joining the programmes can contact the centre every day between 9am and 4pm.
“We treat drug abusers as patients. Those who come to the centre for rehabilitation will not face legal punishment [if they do not engage in drug trafficking],” he said.
He said the programmes also covered educational courses and occupational training.
“We also help with finding jobs and start-up capital to open a small business,” he said.
Sirinya urged parents to closely monitor their children to ensure they do not engage in illicit drugs.
“If there are signs that they are getting involved in drugs, alert us on Hotline 1386,” he said.