A community-based drug rehabilitation programme in Phuket is helping former drug users rebuild their lives through sustained treatment, family support and employment.
The Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) says the Community-Based Treatment and Rehabilitation (CBTx) project, known locally as the "Kathu Model", has helped former drug users return to work and society, making it a model for wider adoption.
During a visit to a health-promoting hospital in tambon Kamala in Kathu district, ThaiHealth officials reviewed the progress of the CBTx project, which brings together local administrators, public health agencies, police and community leaders to support people with drug dependency from rehabilitation through to long-term recovery and stable employment.
One participant, identified only as Mr B, 35, now earns a living providing beach chair rental services for tourists after completing the programme.
He said drug use had left his life directionless, damaged his health and created mounting personal problems. Through the rehabilitation programme, he took part in sports, volunteer activities and counselling with support from mental health professionals and community teams.
"The turning point was my family," he said. "The people around me never gave up on me. My wife is expecting our child, so I want to be a good father and the main support for my family."
Mr B said he now felt as though he had been given "a new life", adding that physical and psychological rehabilitation had enabled him to return to a normal life.
Community members who had once viewed him with suspicion now greet and encourage him, while stable employment had restored his confidence and allowed him to support his family.
He urged those struggling with addiction to seek treatment and warned others against experimenting with drugs.
Rung-arun Limlahaphan, director of ThaiHealth's Office of Health Risk Factor Control Support, said Phuket's status as a major tourist destination, with its nightlife and large migrant and foreign population, increased the risk of drug abuse.
However, tambon Kamala has developed a strong prevention network through close cooperation between police, public health officials, local administrators, village health volunteers and community leaders. More than 60% of people undergoing treatment can now be consistently monitored by authorities.
She said CBTx extends beyond rehabilitation by creating opportunities for former users to reintegrate into society. Community leaders play a pivotal role in coordinating agencies and maintaining continuous support, while completing a year-long community-based programme significantly reduces the risk of relapse.
Kathu district public health officer Peerapong Cheeplek said the programme has so far supported 25 participants through treatment and recovery.
None have relapsed, all have received vocational support and continued follow-ups, demonstrating how the two pilot communities in Kamala have successfully transformed lives, he said.
