Speed precursors coming from outside Burma a lame excuse

Speed precursors coming from outside Burma a lame excuse, retorts Shan exile

Drugs

In response to Foreign Minister Win Aung's claim that although amphetamines were produced in Burma, the precursor chemicals were made in India, Thailand and China, a prominent Shan expatriate in Chiangmai said it was a much worn-out justification for Rangoon's involvement in drugs.

"While no one argues that precursors are coming from outside Burma, we should also stop a while to figure out why there are so many drug refineries in Burma but very few in its neighboring countries," responded Liang Parng, a social worker for Shan refugees in Chiangmai. "My bet is that we will eventually come to the conclusion that it is an economic necessity there."

Liang Parng had also spoken in the same vein at the seminar on Wa, held in Chiangmai on 30 November. A participant, who requested anonymity, from Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University told S.H.A.N. and a few selected NGO workers later that he saw no way out for Bangkok and Rangoon in the event that they chose to go tough on each other.

"While the Thais know who, among the Burmese and Wa top officials, are involved, the latter is also aware who among the Thais are involved," he said. "It would certainly end up as a disaster for both sides if they decide to expose one another."

"That explains why (Prime Minister) Thaksin is suddenly walking soft-footed on drugs, after a year of talking tough," quipped an NGO worker.

A two-day meeting on drugs is being held today at Chiangmai's Mae Ping Hotel. Burma's new police chief, Brig Gen Khin Yi, was reported to be among the participants.

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, while delivering his annual birthday eve address on 4 December, had called for a nationwide war on drugs.