By Panarat Thepgumpanat and Panu Wongcha-um
Thailand is experiencing a dramatic increase in illegal drug trafficking from Myanmar, with a significant rise in seizures of methamphetamines and heroin. According to Apikit Ch.Rojprasert, deputy secretary-general of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), the northern region remains a key entry point for drug traffickers, who transport methamphetamine tablets and crystal meth through the mountains or via the Mekong River.
Organized crime networks in Myanmar have formed alliances with militias and rebel groups to establish "super labs" in Shan and Kachin States. This collaboration is fueled by the ongoing civil war in Myanmar, with drug trafficking being used to finance weapons purchases and support fighting forces.
Despite the Myanmar junta's commitment to collaborating with neighboring countries to combat narcotics, the conflict continues to drive the drug trade. In Thailand, the seizure of meth tablets and crystal meth has surged, indicating the scale of the problem.
Analysis:
The civil war in Myanmar has led to a spike in drug production and trafficking, along with a resurgence of opium cultivation. This has resulted in an increase in drug seizures in Thailand's northern provinces, with methamphetamine prices falling due to the abundance of illicit drugs entering the country. General Narit Thanwornwong, commander of Thailand's drug suppression unit, estimates that over 50 million meth pills are waiting to be trafficked into Thailand.
Since the 2021 coup in Myanmar, drug seizures in northern Thai provinces have surged, with crystal meth increasing by 284%, amphetamine tablets by 201%, and heroin by 77%. Despite efforts to combat drug trafficking, the impact of the civil war on the region's drug trade remains a significant challenge.