Health
Southern Provinces Study 'Lam Plai Mat Model' for Drug Rehabilitation
Public health officials from five southern Thai provinces visited Buriram to study a comprehensive drug rehabilitation and social reintegration program.
On September 25, 2026, House Speaker Sophon Sarum hosted a delegation of over 80 public health officials from Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Satun, and Songkhla. The group visited Lam Plai Mat District in Buriram Province to observe the 'Lam Plai Mat Model,' an integrated approach to drug rehabilitation.
According to Khaosod Online, the program focuses on a holistic cycle of treatment, behavioral modification, and vocational training. The goal is to prepare individuals for successful reintegration into society, ensuring they can maintain a high quality of life and avoid relapse. This visit is part of a broader government initiative to establish one rehabilitation center per district across the country.
For residents and visitors, this development highlights ongoing efforts to address public health and social safety concerns through localized, community-based models. The delegation, which included provincial health officers and hospital directors, selected this specific model after evaluating various programs nationwide. While the government aims to scale this approach, it remains to be seen how effectively these methods will be adapted to the unique social and cultural contexts of the five southern border provinces. The initiative underscores a shift toward long-term rehabilitation rather than purely punitive measures.
