Thai academic

Thai academic: Shan defeat might mean more drugs bound for Thailand

A noted lecturer from Thailand's prestigious Chulalongkorn University has recently warned that the rout of Shan rebels by joint Burmese-Wa offensives might amount to defection of Shans to the Wa leading to the rise in drug flow into the kingdom. 

"The Shans basically have a higher development potential compared to the Wa," said Vorasak Mahatthanobol, Faculty of Political Science to Siam Rath Weekly, 14-20 February. "It has certainly been the reason for their ability to resist (the joint onslaught). However, if their present weakening continues, a number of them may decide to cooperate with the Wa in the drug trade." 

The Shan State Army "South" of Col Yawdserk maintains anti-narcotics is an organic part of its principles. The group seized nearly 300,000 speed pills heading for Thailand on 4 February. 

Some senior officials from Thailand's Office of Narcotics Control Board in the north were also reported to have reasoned that "disarming" the SSA would not help the kingdom's ongoing war on drugs. "Of course, if Rangoon really gets tough with the Wa, it may be the time for us to ditch the Thai Yai (Shans)", said the source.