Drug abuse and addiction cause devastating effect upon people within the family, community and country. It is one of the ongoing challenges that countries in the Mekong basin countries share and need to continue cooperation on a comprehensive plan of action which includes prevention and suppression of drug abuse, and rehabilitation of victims of drug abuse.

The Royal Thai Government (RTG) sees the importance of working closely with neighbouring countries on the matter and considers that establishing a rehabilitation center is a sustainable way out as it enables drug addicts access to adequate treatment and trainings that will equip them with skills essential for work. Hence, after discussion during the Ministerial Meeting on Drug Control Cooperation among Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand during 13 - 16 December 2016 in Ubon Ratchathani, the RTG decided to take part in the Royal Government of Cambodia's effort in establishing a Voluntary and Community-based Treatment Service Centre for Drug Addicts in Preah Sihanouk Province with THB 38 million or to USD 1.15 million which is the equivalent of around 30 percent of the whole project's budget. The said funding was used to found 4 buildings which will be used for medical support, dormitory for men, dormitory for women, and training which have been completed.

Recently, H.E. Mr. Panyarak Poolthup, Ambassador of Thailand to Cambodia has visited the Voluntary and Community-based Treatment Service Centre for Drug Addicts in Preah Sihanouk Province and has paid a courtesy call on H.E. Gen. Ke Kim Yan, Deputy Prime Minister and President of the National Authority of Combatting Drugs (NACD), to discuss the opening ceremony of the Centre. The Royal Thai Government looks forward to the opening ceremony which will enable victims of drugs to recover and get adequate training before returning to the normal life and contribute to the development of Cambodia.

The Voluntary and Community-based Treatment Service Centre for Drug Addicts in Preah Sihanouk Province will be the first and the only national-level Service Centre for Drug Addicts which will be able to cater up to 200 people at one time and will lift some pressure off of other provincial rehabilitation centers.