School kids in drug overdose scare; 80 students fall ill, rushed to hospital

About 80 students, most of them in Prathom 4 and 5 (Grade 4 and 5), at Wat Tha Phra school in Bangkok Yai district were rushed to nearby three hospitals yesterday after suffering drug intoxication symptoms such as nausea, irregular heartbeat and severe headache.

They were found to have swallowed vast quantities of small yellow pills which were identified later as cough relief tablets containing dextromethorphan.

Twelve who were sent to Taksin Hospital were in serious condition and had their stomachs pumped.

Most of the students were in a stable condition and were discharged.

The students believed the tablets, which they bought for one baht each, had a wide range of properties - from smoothening the skin to making them smart to getting them high.

Taksin Hospital director Kittiya Srilertfa said initial tests showed the children had taken dextromethorphan - a cough suppressant which could have effects on the nervous system if more than recommended amount are taken.