History against us in drugs battle

source : The Nation
03-07-01

With all the summits and talk over Thailand's drug problems, one has to understand this has been festering for more than five decades. If we are to include the old monopoly, Thailand has had over one hundred years experience.

In his book "The Politics of Heroin", Alfred W McCoy, professor of Southeast Asian History at the University of Wisconsin, gives an accurate and clear picture of Thailand and the region. In his book he names those entrenched in the Thai military, police and political system who virtually looked the other way or were directly involved in the cultivation and distribution routes.

In 600-plus pages he spells out in detail the strategy of Thailand and Burma, partners for many years. Now, with the current drug ya ba in vogue, one doesn't have to wait for the harvest. The imported chemists can make all they need within months of production.

Thailand also has to remember that as long as there is no economic stimulus for its neighbour Burma, drugs will never ever stop entering Thailand. There will always be a market and a buyer, along with the protection afforded the sellers and distributors. Money talks.

Along with Laos, Burma will continue to flood the region [with drugs]. Juntas and regimes care little about the effects on your country. Wake up, Thaksin, this is one fight you are sure to lose.

Kenny Descherelle
TORONTO

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