Bangkok, Thailand – In a move highlighting the complexities of Thailand’s evolving drug policies, authorities have raided multiple locations involved in the production and distribution of illegal cough syrup, an ingredient commonly used in the controversial “4×100” kratom cocktail.
The operation, conducted by Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA), targeted a factory in Nakhon Pathom province where the counterfeit cough syrup was being manufactured. Additionally, a courier company in Bangkok distributing the product, a label maker in Samut Sakhon, and a storage warehouse were also raided. Authorities seized over 54,000 bottles of the illicit syrup, with an estimated street value exceeding 100 million baht.
This crackdown comes as Thailand grapples with the resurgence of kratom use, particularly among young people, after its decriminalization in 2021. Kratom, a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, was banned in Thailand for over 70 years before the government shifted to a harm reduction approach, allowing regulated use. However, the emergence of the 4×100 cocktail, a mixture of kratom tea, cola, ice, and cough syrup, has raised concerns about potential public health risks and abuse.
“This is not how kratom is traditionally consumed in Thailand,” emphasizes Dr. Withid Sariddeechaikool, FDA Secretary-General. Traditional practices involve chewing fresh kratom leaves or brewing them into a tea, deeply ingrained in the cultural heritage of southern Thailand. The 4×100 cocktail, however, represents a departure from these traditions, potentially fueled by a desire to enhance kratom’s effects.
The exact ingredients of the counterfeit cough syrup remain undisclosed, but authorities suspect it may contain codeine or dextromethorphan, substances with potential for abuse and addiction. Dr. Sariddeechaikool issued a public warning against the misuse of cough syrups, antihistamines, and 4×100 drinks, highlighting the potential dangers associated with their unregulated consumption.
The rise of the 4×100 cocktail first gained attention in Thai media around 2018. Reports focused on the drink’s growing popularity among youth, particularly in southern provinces, and the potential health risks associated with its consumption. Some experts argue that the media coverage itself may have inadvertently contributed to the cocktail’s popularity, while others believe the trend was already underway.
While kratom itself is now legal in Thailand, its regulation remains a contentious issue. Authorities continue to arrest vendors operating outside the legal framework, highlighting the ongoing challenges in balancing public health concerns with individual freedoms. The recent raids demonstrate the government’s commitment to curbing the illicit production and distribution of substances that could contribute to kratom abuse, even as the country navigates the complexities of its newly decriminalized status.
This case underscores the dynamic nature of drug policy in Thailand. As the country adapts to the evolving landscape of kratom use, the crackdown on illegal cough syrup production serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to mitigate potential harms while respecting cultural traditions and individual choices.
