The Royal Thai Embassy welcomed H.E. Pol.Col. Tawee Sodsong, Minister of Justice of Thailand and delegation on an official visit to Portugal from 19-20 May 2024.

During the visit, H.E. the Minister of Justice met with H.E. Dr. Ana Povo, Secretary of State of Ministry of Health of Portugal and Dr. João Goulão, President of Instituto para os Comportamentos Aditivos e as Dependências, I.P (ICAD), which is the national focal point of Portugal responsible for the implementation of the National Plan to Reduced Additctive Behaviour and Dependencies. The Thai side commended the Portuguese side for the success of Portugal in reduction of the addictive behavious and addictions, or so-called Portuguese Model, after the drug-decriminalization in 2001. Both sides exchanged views on relevant national laws and regulations as well as the measures to ensure treatment and prevention of addiction. They agreed to further enhance cooperation between the two countries in reducing addictions.

H.E. the Minister of Justice paid a study visit to Estabelecimento Prisional de Lisboa and met with Dr. Pedro Veiga Santos, Deputy Director-General of Reinsertion and Prison Services (DGRSP).  The delegation attended a briefing on addiction treatment for prisoners. Both sides agreed to establish cooperation on addictive treatment and rehabilitation.