In southern Thailand, kratom chewers generally start at around the age of 25 and many continue to chew the leaves for the rest of their lives. A fresh leaf weighs on average 2 grams. The average number of leaves consumed is between 10 and 60 leaves per day, but even more than this is common. In some areas of southern Thailand, where Kratom is often referred to by the street name P̄hī or 'Goblin', it is thought that upwards of 70% of the male population uses kratom on a daily basis.[24]

general consensus exists in southern Thailand, where the use of kratom is endemic, among leaders, public health officials, academics and policymakers that kratom use and dependence causes little,[clarification needed] if any, health risks