Mapping Police Check-Points: NGO and Law Enforcement Partnership in Implementing Harm Reduction in Southern Thailand.

PAILIN CHANAPHAI, NISANEE CHAIPRAKOBWIRIYA

This paper showcases experience engaging police in harm reduction practices in Nakorn Si Thammarat province, in Thailand. Thai Drug User Network (TDN) in partnership with Raks Thai Foundation under Global Fund’s supported project, “Stop TB and AIDS through RTTR: STAR” work with PWID in southern part of Thailand, including Nakorn Si Thammarat where 50 % of identified PWID are HIV positive persons. Even though Thailand has adopted harm reduction policy in pilot provinces since 2015, implementation still face roadblock today. In other provinces, local authorities and relevant stakeholders lack political will and understanding regarding harm reduction. Law enforcement is reluctant to cooperate with NGOs who provide clean needles and syringes. However, in Nakorn Si Thammarat, TDN is able to negotiate with local police department to acquire mapping of police check-points in the city including place and time of each check-point. This strategy is effective in avoiding uncomfortable encountering between drug users and police officers. In addition, TDN field officers and outreach workers are able to provide clean needles to target group with minimal disturbance. This strategy could be applied elsewhere to reduce confrontation between PWID and law enforcement officers. However, building trust and respect between NGO and local police department is key to success in achieving effective harm reduction program.