Poll: Drug Problem Reaches Critical Level

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Poll: Drug Problem Reaches Critical Level
Tan Network 2011-09-15

An ABAC poll has showed that the drug problem in Thailand has reached a critical level as kids as young as five are trying their first cigarette.

Director of ABAC Social Innovation in Management and Business Analysis Research Center at Assumption University, Noppadol Kannika, disclosed the results of a recent poll, which studied drinking, smoking and drug use among Thai teens and youths.

The survey was conducted among 12.25 million people aged between 12 and 24 from 17 provinces nationwide from August 15 to September 14.

The poll found that 20.7 percent of the respondents smoked and the lowest age at trying their first cigarette was five. Thirty-five percent of those surveyed drank alcohol and the lowest age in starting drinking was four.

Noppadol noted that the survey also suggested that young smokers are five times more likely than adults to abuse drugs while teens who drink alcohol are seven times more likely to take drugs than those who do not drink.

When compared with teens who have no problem, teens who have academic, financial or family problems are twice more likely to smoke, drink or use drugs while those who have relationship problems are three times more likely to become involved in these vices.

When asked how to address this problem, 90.5 percent suggested promoting positive quality of life among Thai youths, 83.6 percent suggested an economic reform, 83.3 percent said risky places for teens such as gambling dens and pubs must be shut down while 73 percent suggested a political reform.

As for other opinions, respondents said the public must have the right to express their opinions. They also commented that politicians are a bad role model as they think only of their personal gain.