Thailand Faces Surge in Illegal Drug Trafficking Amid Civil War in Myanmar - Impact on Regional Drug Trade
Thailand is experiencing a significant increase in illegal drugs being trafficked from neighboring Myanmar, with a sharp rise in seizures of methamphetamines and heroin. The civil war in Myanmar is fueling the regional drug trade, according to a senior Thai counter-narcotics official.
Apikit Ch.Rojprasert, deputy secretary-general of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), highlighted that the northern region remains the main trafficking route into Thailand. Organized crime networks have partnered with militias and rebel groups in Myanmar to establish "super labs" in Shan and Kachin States.
The ongoing armed conflict in Myanmar has resulted in the drug trade being used to fund weapons purchases and support fighting forces. The seizure of meth tablets and crystal meth in northern Thailand has increased significantly, with a surge in heroin seizures as well.
Despite the rise in drug seizures, the street price of meth pills continues to decline in Thailand, indicating that large volumes are still evading authorities. The average price of a meth tablet has decreased over the years, from 200 baht in 2013 to 25-30 baht currently.
General Narit Thanwornwong, commander of Thailand's drug suppression unit, revealed that more than 50 million meth pills are waiting to be trafficked into Thailand. The drug seizure rates in northern Thai provinces have surged since the 2021 coup in Myanmar.
In conclusion, the civil war in Myanmar has led to a surge in drug trafficking, impacting the regional drug trade. The increase in drug seizures in Thailand highlights the need for continued vigilance and cooperation with neighboring countries to combat this illicit activity. The declining street price of meth pills underscores the challenge authorities face in controlling the flow of drugs into the country, ultimately affecting public health and safety.
