Thailand on Wednesday commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its sustained fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

The Thai government described it as a development that has positively impacted the country’s image in the international community.

The commendation was given by Thailand’s charge d’affaire in Nigeria, Kriwat Pharmorabuta during a courtesy visit to NDLEA chairman Buba Marwa in Abuja.

Mr Pharmorabuta was accompanied on the visit by a counsellor, Perapol Berananda.

Mr Pharmorabuta also praised the inspiring leadership Marwa had provided the NDLEA in the last three years.

He said, “I have good news that I received as we speak. Before, there were around 800 prisoners from Nigeria in Thai prisons, but right now, the number has decreased greatly; it is less than 200.

“That means it is very difficult now for them to get out with the drugs. So, I congratulate you and the Nigerian people.

“I feel pleased because I’m a diplomat in Nigeria; I love not only my country but also Nigeria because Nigeria is my second home. So, when I receive good news like this I feel very happy.”

He added, “There may be some other criteria, some other qualifications that they might need but I think it is not the priority; the priority document which the government of Thailand needs is the certificate from NDLEA.

“So, it means that if a Nigerian has the NDLEA Certificate, the correct one in their hands, 90 to 95 per cent assurance is guaranteed that they can receive the visas to enter into the kingdom of Thailand.

“So, I would like to thank you very much and to inform you that I’m pleased that our team, my delegation and your delegation, can know each other so that we can coordinate well in subsequent works.”

While stating that he’s responsible for bilateral relations between Nigeria and Thailand, the envoy gave assurance that he would work towards strengthening the partnership between NDLEA and its counterparts in Thailand.

Mr Pharmorabuta also pledged support for the Agency in terms of training and scholarships for its personnel.

Mr Marwa expressed delight with the ongoing partnership between NDLEA and the Thai embassy.

The NDLEA chief said, “In the area of training that you just indicated your readiness to support us, you are very welcome and we are going to write this week indicating interest in the training and the scholarships.

“We have a lot to learn from Thailand. I just created a unit, ‘the Alternative Development Unit’ in my office, which focuses on encouraging our drug traffickers, especially the cannabis growers.

“This is because we have so much going on here; over 10 million consuming it and we have seized such a huge number, over 7,000 tonnes of cannabis. We are looking at encouraging them to stop cannabis and do other things like rice, sugarcane, cocoa and the country that we can turn to for help in Thailand.”

(NAN)