Khun Sa cronies released by US

Khun Sa cronies released by US

Most of Khun Sa's associates who were arrested during the joint Thai-American operation code-named Tiger Trap in 1994 have done their time in the United States and are already back home, according to a former inmate.

Among the 11 "key associates", only 4 remain in US prison. They are Ho Ming Teh a.k.a. Chatchai Pattarawiboon, 9 years; Yang Seuhua a.k.a. Chalee Yang Wiriyakul, 9 years; Liu Fengteh a.k.a. Siewsing Sae-sia, 9 years and Kuo Shangping a.k.a. Thawee Apiradeethonsarn, 11 years.

"We were given 3 options by the Americans," he said, "one, you can fight it out in court; two, you can confess and three, we can cooperate. Of course, our parents bred no fools, so we all chose the third option. As a result, most of us were sentenced to 7-years imprisonment on conspiracy charges."

Most of them did not serve the full term because of their "good conduct" and the routine 54-day per year deduction, he added. They were Na Hsai-kuei a.k.a. Chukiat Nimitpakpoom, Kuo Famong a.k.a. Asafa Sanlee, Chao Fusheng a.k.a. Somboon Khamdaeng, Chang Yuenlong a.k.a. Khamzuen, Lo Teh-ming a.k.a. Somwang Oonman, Chang Tehchai and Arhee a.k.a. Wu Hsengshi a.k.a. Meechai Pathummanee.

"Only one among us was sent back to Burma," he said. "That's Chang Yuenlong, formerly an assistant to Liang Chungying a.k.a. Col Liang Zuen who died last year."

He said he also met Li Yuenchung who jumped bail and fled to Burma in 1997 only to be extradited back. "He is serving a 9-year imprisonment," he replied when asked about Li.

Others reputed to be close to Khun Sa but arrested separately were Li Jiajeng, 5 years (released); Lin Jinpang, 5 years (released); Liu Weiming a.k.a. Zao Zuenja (still in prison) and Lao Tai a.k.a. Yang Wangsuan.

Meanwhile, Khun Sa's health is improving thanks to Lo Hsinghan, who became "King of Opium" prior to Khun Sa. Lo had provided herbal treatment for Khun Sa's ailment, a massive stroke that almost paralyzed him totally. Khun Sa however had not accepted more favors than that. "He said he was happy enough at Ye Kyi Aing (north of Rangoon) under close attention of the Military Intelligence, although he missed Homong (his former headquarters opposite Maehongson) a lot."