Kratom in the news
kratom plantation raided, trees destroyed
Post reporters
Bangkok Post, 29 November 2006
Phatthalung _ Authorities raided a plantation of kratom trees whose leaves are classed as an illegal narcotic substance. Kratom, traditionally used as a stimulant, is said to be widely abused by young militants in the restive South.More than 1,000 kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) trees were on the 29 th of december destroyed in the raid on a four-rai plot of land in tambon Klong Chaloem, Kong Ra district, Narcotics Suppression Bureau deputy chief Surajet Thamrong said.
The raid was a joint operation involving a regional anti-drugs centre, border patrol police, border defence volunteers and a special district task force.
Pol Col Surajet said some drug dealers were smuggling in kratom leaves for sale to young people in the deep South.
Separatists groups encouraged their young fighters to take kratom to boost their courage and stamina before launching attacks, he said.
A highly-placed source in the NSB said kratom leaves sold in the region were largely collected in the wild by forest poachers who sold them to dealers.
In Pattani province, a kamnan in Panare district, was killed in a drive-by shooting yesterday.
In Yala, Thailand Knowledge Park yesterday opened a regional edutainment complex at the municipal youth centre.