Hong Kong II resurrected

Hong Kong II resurrected

A border village renowned for its gambling dens, karaokes, Turkish massage parlors and a drug market has made a swift comeback less than three months after it was attacked by the Shan rebels, according to sources from the border. 

Mae Jok, known to the locals as Hong Kong II, under the partronage of LIB 311 (Mongyawng), was once again booming like it used to be on their visit to the area on 7 May, they said. 

"For 20,000 baht for each 100,000 pills of Yaba (methamphetamines), 1,000 baht for each block (700 gm) of heroin and 500 baht for each viss of raw opium, you can sell it to every buyer that comes from Thailand," said a source. "And if you have yet to find a buyer, you can even deposit it there for safekeeping until you find one." 

The village headman is Khamwai, a deputy to Ja-ngoi, leader of the militia force in Pu Nako, north of Mae Jok. His assistant Ja-ueh is the "tax" collector, according to the sources. 

Mae Jok is 1 km north of the Thai border in Therdthai Tract, Mae Faluang District, Chiangrai Province, and in the neighborhood of Thai-sponsored Yawngkha Model Village Project site. The Shan State Army's raid on 8 February netted 50,000 speed pills, in addition to 1 anti-aircraft gun and 5 soldiers (dead) from IB 244 (Kengtung). 

Some villagers were burned to death during the attack, according to Matthew McDaniel of Akha Heritage Foundation who had a home in Mae Faluang. The claim was denied by the SSA's Kengtung Force Commander, Lt-Col Kawnzuen and Thai the TV Channel 7 reporter who covered the event.