Khun Sa Dies At 74

[Johpa]

A evil man is dead!

A bad man yes, but not really evil per se. He was a business man who dealt in narcotics and has been retired for nearly a decade is dead. Most of his business partners higher up the distribution chain as well as his willing partners in the financial markets. including big names in Bangkok, are all doing quite well and it is business as usual apart from it being different narcotics these days.

What is most remarkable was his ability to proclaim himself titular head of a Shan independence movement when he was really KMT. One of his trusted lieutenants, Laota, also KMT, morphed into a Lisu headman.

[Smithson]

There is an excellent documentary series called 'The Herion Wars'. Filmed over decades, it has several interviews with Khun Sa, very interesting.

[klikster]

IMO, the US missed a golden opportunity in the early 90's while Khun Sa had his 6,000 man army and a great deal of control up-country.

Burma was ripe for revolution. There was a savvy and well armed indigenous force and a continually oppressed population in the cities aching for democracy after Suu Kyi's popular victory was denied.

The US could have 'assisted' in starting that revolution .. and should have, I believe.

Besides Burma getting their well-deserved democratic government, we might have less drug traffic out of SEA as a bonus.

Edited November 3, 2007 by klikster

[maluko]

Besides Burma getting their well-deserved democratic government, we might have less drug traffic out of SEA as a bonus.

You are kidding aren't you ?

GOD BLESSES THE KARENS...

[Tony Clifton]

Rest in Peace and thanks for the cheap stuff.

You will be sorrowly missed in Mae Hong Son, Mae Salong and even in South Central Los Angeles, Brooklyn and many other places.

Are you conveying the message for all the dead as well?

[klikster]

Besides Burma getting their well-deserved democratic government, we might have less drug traffic out of SEA as a bonus.

You are kidding aren't you ?

About what?

Are you suggesting that a democratic Burma would be producing more drugs than at present?

[Johpa]

GOD BLESSES THE KARENS...

Or perhaps the ta meu xa have forsaken the Paw Ka Nyah.

[sriracha john]

Border village to hold memorial service for drug lord Khun Sa

Chiang Rai - A northern border village once home to the late drug warlord Khun Sa and his troops will today hold a memorial service in his honour. The memorial service for Khun Sa, who died in Burma on Oct 26 at the age of 74, was being organised with the aim of boosting tourism in Ban Therd Thai in Chiang Rai's Ma Fa Luang district, said Apinand Apinandtherdthai, kamnan of tambon Therd Thai. The event will feature the cultural traditions of the Shan highlanders. There will be an exhibition of photos of Khun Sa, his clothes, belongings and weapons. The memorial service will be presided over by Mae Fa Luang district chief Somchai Rungsakhon. Mr Apinand said the memorial ceremony was made possible by cooperation from various state offices. ''Everyone here called Khun Sa chao oo, or father,'' he said. The former drug kingpin commanded the respect of many residents at Ban Therd Thai, formerly known as Ban Hin Taek.

In 1964, Khun Sa and some 700 troops fled fighting in Burma to stay at Ban Hin Taek. He built schools and other public facilities

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/09Nov2007_news06.php

[sriracha john]

Khun Sa's old village may become a tourist attraction

At least three investors are trying to convince local authorities to turn a northern border village which was once home to late drug warlord Khun Sa and his troops into a tourist attraction. However, local authorities are still reluctant to agree to the idea, fearing the village's history will be distorted by investors, who may focus only on their own benefits. Apinand Apinandtherdthai, the kamnan of tambon Therd Thai in Chiang Rai's Mae Fa Luang district, said since the death of Khun Sa late last month several investors had approached local authorities to develop Ban Therd Thai and renovate Khun Sa's former military camp and make it a tourist attraction. In 1982 the Prem Tinsulanonda government launched a military offensive against the drug warlord, forcing Khun Sa and his troops to leave their bastion where they had stayed for many years. The camp and living quarters of Khun Sa's troops were still in good condition. Only a gun turret, underground bunkers and trenches were partly damaged and needed to be restored. The village committee has a development plan for the village. Under the plan, resort hotels with 100 rooms would be built at Ban Therd Thai to accommodate tourists.

Apinand said at least three investors have shown strong interest in developing the village and following the plan.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/10Nov2007_news09.php