Thailand Faces Surge in Drugs from Myanmar

Thailand is experiencing a significant rise in illegal drug trafficking, particularly methamphetamines and heroin, from neighboring Myanmar, exacerbated by the ongoing civil war there. According to Apikit Ch.Rojprasert, deputy secretary-general of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), the northern region serves as the main trafficking route, with organized crime networks collaborating with militias to establish 'super labs' in Myanmar's Shan and Kachin States. In the first eight months of this year, methamphetamine seizures in Thailand's northern provinces surged by 172%, reaching 346 million pills, while crystal meth seizures increased by 39% to 6.48 tons. The heroin seizure also saw a dramatic rise, nearly seven times the amount seized in 2023. Despite Myanmar's ruling junta's claims of commitment to tackle narcotics, the escalating drug trade is reportedly funding armed conflict. The situation highlights the challenges Thailand faces in controlling the drug influx amidst a declining street price for meth.