The UNODC report “Synthetic Drugs in East and Southeast Asia: latest developments and challenges 2023” provides crucial insights for tourists from the US, Europe, Korea, Japan, and China who plan to consume drugs while visiting Bangkok.1 Here’s a detailed summary of the report’s key findings:
Methamphetamine Remains the Primary Threat
Methamphetamine continues to dominate the synthetic drug market in East and Southeast Asia, with supply reaching record levels. In 2022, methamphetamine prices remained at historic lows across the region, indicating an uninterrupted flow of the drug. This suggests that tourists in Bangkok may have easy access to methamphetamine, but the purity and potency of the drug can vary significantly, posing serious health risks and suggesting the need for testing.
Emergence of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS)
The report highlights the increasing presence of new psychoactive substances (NPS) in the region, particularly potent synthetic opioids and benzodiazepine-type substances. These NPS are often mixed with traditional drugs like heroin and methamphetamine, or pressed into counterfeit pharmaceutical tablets. Tourists consuming drugs in Bangkok without testing these drugs first may unknowingly ingest these dangerous substances, which can lead to overdoses and other severe health consequences.
Expanding Ketamine Market
Ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic, has seen a significant rise in popularity across the region. Seizures of ketamine have increased dramatically, often occurring alongside methamphetamine seizures. This suggests that tourists in Bangkok may encounter ketamine more frequently, either intentionally or as an adulterant in other drugs. The unpredictable adulteration of ketamine and its potential for causing psychological distress make it an important substance tourists should test to reduce harm.
Diversification of Trafficking Routes
The report emphasizes the diversification of drug trafficking routes in the region, with land borders being particularly vulnerable to the movement of drugs and precursor chemicals. This means that the synthetic drugs available in Bangkok may originate from various sources, increasing the uncertainty about their composition and potential dangers.
Implications for Tourists
Given the findings of the UNODC report, tourists planning to consume drugs in Bangkok face significant risks:
- The wide availability of methamphetamine and other synthetic drugs increases the likelihood of encountering adulterated or highly potent substances, which can lead to unintentional adverse health effects and overdoses.
- The presence of NPS in traditional drug supplies poses an additional danger, as tourists may unknowingly consume these substances with unpredictable and potentially life-threatening consequences.
- The expanding ketamine market suggests that tourists may be more likely to encounter this drug, either intentionally or as a cutting agent in other substances, leading to increased risks of psychological distress and harm.
- The diversification of trafficking routes makes it more difficult to trace the origins and composition of drugs available in Bangkok, further increasing the risks associated with consuming unknown substances
To mitigate these risks, tourists should be extremely cautious about consuming drugs in Bangkok and should prioritize theirhealth and safety above all else. If drug use does occur, it is crucial to have access to drug testing kits, particularly those capable of detecting the presence of potent synthetic opioids and other NPS. Seeking immediate medical attention in case of any adverse reactions is also essential.
In conclusion, the UNODC report underscores the significant dangers that tourists face when consuming drugs in Bangkok. By staying informed about the latest developments in the regional drug market and taking appropriate precautions, tourists can reduce their risk of harm and make more informed decisions about their well-being while traveling.
- Synthetic drug supply remains at extreme levels and diversifies in East and Southeast Asia, according to new UNODC report (https://www.unodc.org/unodc/frontpage/2023/June/synthetic-drug-supply-remains-at-extreme-levels-and-diversifies-in-east-and-southeast-asia–according-to-new-unodc-report.html) ↩︎
