Demand for Narcotics in Thailand, with Policy Implications

Renu Sukharomana; Chia-Lin Chang

doi:10.6000/1929-7092.2017.06.27

Demand for Narcotics in Thailand, with Policy Implications

Authors

Renu Sukharomana Institute of Social and Economic Sciences, Dhurakij Pundit University, Bangkok, Thailand
Chia-Lin Chang Department of Applied Economics, Department of Finance, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6000/1929-7092.2017.06.27

Keywords:

Price elasticity of demand, Narcotics, Amphetamines, Ice drug, Marijuana, Policy implications

Abstract

The paper examines the demand for narcotic drugs, based on Becker (1968), as purported rational behavior of human beings. The results from sampling surveys in eight provinces in Thailand in 2014, representing nationwide drug users/addicts, show that the demand for narcotics (amphetamines, ice drug, and marijuana) are price inelastic (between -0.533 and -0.701), as well as normal goods. The key econometric coefficients in models A and B are 0.192 and 0.0467, respectively, and an increase in income will lead to an increase in the demand for narcotics. In addition, factors affecting the demand for narcotics are the age and age squared of the user, friendship, family member relationship, social relationship, reasons for drug use, risk behavior, and expected punishment. Public policy implications are also proposed and analysed.

References

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Sukharomana, R., et al., 2015, Supply of and Demand for Narcotics in Thailand and Policy Implication, Bangkok, Thailand Research Fund.
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Published

2017-06-09

How to Cite

Sukharomana, R., & Chang, C.-L. (2017). Demand for Narcotics in Thailand, with Policy Implications. Journal of Reviews on Global Economics, 6, 279–284. https://doi.org/10.6000/1929-7092.2017.06.27

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Issue

Vol. 6 (2017)

Section

Special Issue - Recent Topical Research on Global, Energy, Health & Medical, and Tourism Economics, and Global Software

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