On June 26, 2025, on the eve of the 38th International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone in Laos launched a series of diverse and enriching anti-drug publicity and education activities under the theme of "Drug-Free Special Zone: Protecting the Future." The event, including a mobilization rally, a themed parade, a pledge signing ceremony, and expert lectures, comprehensively showcased the zone's firm resolve and fruitful achievements in anti-drug work.
At 9:00 AM local time, the playground of the Kapok School was solemn and quiet, with nearly a thousand residents, teachers, students, business representatives, and enterprise representatives from the special economic zone lined up neatly. Acting Director of the Special Economic Zone's Administrative Authority, Khamsavan Vilayphong, and Director of the Special Economic Zone's Public Security Bureau, Anoushin, attended the mobilization rally. In his mobilization speech, Khamsavan emphasized: "Building a 'drug-free special zone' is not only a bottom-line requirement for the development of the special economic zone, but also our responsibility to the next generation." Subsequently, led by a representative of the Special Economic Zone Management Committee, all participants solemnly swore: "Resolutely resist drugs and build a drug-free home," their resounding vows echoing through the sky.
At 9:30 a.m., a large-scale anti-drug parade set off from Kapok School. Led by police cars, the parade included representatives from various sectors of the Special Economic Zone, who held up eye-catching slogans such as "Drug-Free Special Economic Zone, Healthy Future" and "Drug Prohibition for All, Benefit to the Country and the People," distributing anti-drug leaflets to citizens along the way. Particularly eye-catching was the "Young Pioneers Anti-Drug Propaganda Team," composed of primary and secondary school students who shouted anti-drug slogans in their youthful yet firm voices, becoming the most beautiful sight in the parade.
At the main square of the Kapok Star Hotel, a 10-meter-long "Drug-Free Special Economic Zone Commitment Wall" was crowded with people. Residents of the Special Economic Zone signed and left messages on the wall, expressing their support for the anti-drug work. Mr. Li, a businessman from overseas Chinese communities in his sixties, said excitedly, "Seeing the Special Economic Zone's determination to fight drugs, we feel safer doing business."
The afternoon's anti-drug education lecture was packed. Anti-drug experts from the Bokeo Provincial Public Security Department explained the dangers of new types of drugs and preventative measures in a simple and easy-to-understand way through real-life cases. Police officers from the Special Economic Zone's Public Security Bureau demonstrated rapid drug testing methods and engaged in an interactive Q&A session with the audience. After the lecture, the organizers distributed a carefully prepared "Anti-Drug Knowledge Handbook" and souvenirs to each participant.
In his concluding remarks, Lieutenant Colonel Lun Pak Cantavieon, representative of the Bokeo Provincial Public Security Department, pointed out: "Through the 'urban alternative development model,' the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone has not only achieved its own transformation but has also set a model for the region's anti-drug efforts. Today's event fully demonstrates the strong public support and institutional advantages of the Special Economic Zone's anti-drug work."
