Report United Wa State Army Rejects Ex-PM Thaksin's Accusations of Drug Smuggling

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Picture by Steve Sandford – Courtesy of Wikipedia

 

The United Wa State Army (UWSA) has firmly rejected claims from former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who alleged that the UWSA is a primary source of narcotics smuggled from Myanmar into Thailand.

 

In a swift rebuttal, UWSA spokesperson Nyi Rang called Thaksin’s statements mere accusations without evidence. He insisted that the UWSA is actively fighting the drug trade, like other groups along the border, dismissing notions of the Wa being directly involved.

 

Citing logistical challenges, Nyi Rang explained that drug trafficking through Thai borders from inland regions doesn’t implicate the Wa.

 

Journalist Patrick Winn, author of Narcotopia, has remarked that the Wa territory operates like a “narco-state” but clarifies that Wa leaders now allow Chinese syndicates to manage meth labs on their land, earning from renting space to run labs, while large profits come from international trafficking networks. This setup, however, remains a contentious point in the drug trade narrative.

 

In a recent lecture, Thaksin urged for strict measures against the UWSA and suggested Thailand warn Myanmar’s military junta to act swiftly, possibly hinting at direct intervention if necessary.

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, however, advocates for gathering actionable and practical information from communities to tackle the drug issue efficiently, emphasising ongoing efforts and collaboration between local tip-offs and law enforcement leading to significant drug seizures.

 

Assoc Prof Dulyapak Preecharush from Thammasat University supports Thaksin’s views, identifying the UWSA as a tangible threat to Thailand, evident from cross-border disruptions and environmental impacts on rivers crossing into Thai territory.

 

He urges Thailand to adopt a proactive strategy, employing diplomatic pressure through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defence, and National Security Council.

 

Leveraging regional partnerships, such as the Regional Border Committee, could strengthen efforts in monitoring trafficking routes and negotiating resolutions with Myanmar.

 

Ultimately, the call for a proactive stance underscores a need for coordinated regional efforts to confront and mitigate narcotics operations, protecting Thailand's borders and communities from the overarching drug menace.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-30

 

 

[JoePai]

 Thailand warn Myanmar’s military junta to act swiftly

 

By bombing innocent villagers ?

[metisdead]

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