Driving The News: The focus is on the local authorities’ efforts to clamp down on such establishments, reflecting ongoing struggles with substance abuse and legal enforcement in the region.
Zoom In: Despite previous arrests and legal actions, the shop persistently operates, selling these substances to youths as young as 12 years old.
Key Fact: The shop in question was found to be selling kratom and cannabis to minors, even employing youths as young as 16 and 17 as staff.
CHAING RAI, THAILAND – In a recent operation led by local authorities in Chiang Rai, a shop was found to be repeatedly selling kratom and cannabis to minors, including children as young as 12 years old. This incident comes despite the shop having been previously targeted and penalized for similar offenses.
The article from Siam Rath delves into the details of the operation, revealing that the shop continued its operations unabashedly, with customers ranging from 16 to 25 years old. The authorities found over 600 bottles of children’s cough syrup, which were reportedly used as an ingredient in kratom preparation. Additionally, the shop employed minors and lacked necessary permits and health safety checks.
This situation in Chiang Rai reflects broader issues regarding substance control and youth protection in Thailand. The persistence of such establishments, despite legal actions, calls for a reevaluation of enforcement strategies and possibly stricter regulations to safeguard the youth from substance abuse.
Source: Siam Rath
