Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung called on Bangkok governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra to cooperate more closely with the government in suppressing illegal drugs in the city.
"Since I was appointed deputy premier, one year and eight months ago, the city governor never once attended any of the meetings to solve narcotics issues,” Mr Chalerm said on Wednesday.
Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung, left, wants Bangkok governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra to help the government in eradicating drugs. (Bangkok Post file photos)
Mr Chalerm, who is in charge of security affairs, said drug problems still persist in many areas throughout Bangkok. Sixty per cent of drug arrests are made in the capital.
He said illegal drugs delivered from northern Thailand are often stashed throughout the central provinces, mainly Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani, and Samut Prakan.
Minorities such as Akha and Lahu tribal groups play major roles in drug transactions, he added.
"I have constantly proposed that convicted drug offenders should be executed immediately because they will create more drug networks in prisons.
"The Ministry of Justice needs to prioritise narcotic issues over human rights," he said.
Mr Chalerm said he will report to the United Nations that Myanmar's request to extend the period to eradicate the country of illegal drugs violates the terms given by Asean to the former dictatorship.
The committee has specified that all of its members need to be drug-free before the upcoming Asean Economic Comittee meeting in 2015.
Mr Chalerm met with representatives from related agencies at the Office of the Narcotics Control Board on Wednesday to discuss the situation of illegal drugs in the central region.