Kratom is indigenous to Thailand. Market gardeners, peasants and labourers often become addicted to kratom leaf use. In certain respects, kratom addiction resembles addiction to a drug with narcotic properties, except that long term kratom addicts develop a dark skin, particularly on the cheeks. The age of onset is apparently later than in heroin addiction, and females are rare amongst those who use the substance. There were 5 cases of kratom addiction revealing psychotic symptoms; these had been seen by the author in the last yr (1974) in the outpatient department. Initially, 3 cases were suspected of having kratom psychosis of the basis of their history of addiction and their general appearance and on psychiatric examination. The measure chosen by lar to control kratom addiction by banning the cultivation of the tree has not been found to be effective, since it is a local law It is hoped that drug education for the rural youth in areas where kratom can be grown will be a more effective step towards its control.