Big fish in Shan State opt to wait out

Big fish in Shan State opt to wait out

War on drugs in Thailand

Major drug operators in Shan State had chosen to lie low and await for the progress of events as Thailand launched its all-out drive against drugs "in every square inch" of the kingdom, reported sources from the border. 

"Many have closed shop and either stayed quiet or find reasons to visit their relatives elsewhere", said a businessman from Tachilek opposite Chiangrai. "Offers to buy from old customers from Thailand are also being turned down. Some of them even asked me if I could help find custom for them in Laos." 

The situation in Mongton, opposite Chiangmai, is not different, according to a reliable source. "Lao Haw a.k.a Ah Sarng, a known smuggler from Nawng-ook (Chiangdao District, Chiangmai Province) was told by Maj Myint Sway, acting commander of Infantry Battalion #65, on 1 February, the local syndicate had decided to adopt a wait-and-see attitude," he reported. 

During that meeting, where his front man Captain Han Sein and Chao Ching, Wa representative, were also present, the commander reportedly said his "superiors" thought it was ill-advised to do anything precipitate where Thailand was concerned, although exports to Laos might worth considering. 

IB 65 is known to drug watchers in Thailand as the main depot for heroin and methamphetamines manufactured in the township. 

As a result, there is very little activity by wholesalers in northern Thailand, many of whom have already found excuses to be away from their homes and prices have risen. "Across the border prices have not changed much," said the source from Chiangmai's Fang District. "But here it has gone up from 25-30 baht to 50 now." 

Prices in neighboring provinces had also doubled, reported the Thai media.