While the focus so far has been on the odious Chalerm, it is important that the spotlight does not shift entirely from the DKBA and its multi-named leader, better known as Mr Beard.

The DKBA has operated since 1994 as an arm of the Myanmar government fighting the largely-Buddhist KNLA (Karen National Liberation Army) and running gem, timber and drug smuggling operations into Thailand.

The hold-out element of the DKBA has now fallen out with the Myanmar government (most of it accepted a deal to become "border guards" in 2010). Bangkok, in its desire to mend fences with Yangon, therefore sees Mr Beard's organisation as an easy sacrifice in its efforts to improve relations. Losing out, at least temporarily, on the lucrative cross-border trade of illegal products, is obviously a price worth paying over the long run.

Thanks for this informative post and for keeping the eye on the ball.

In addition Mr Beard's gang has few options in terms of a market for their drugs, gems and timber (what little is left) other than Thailand. Having fallen out with Yangon, and while technically re-allied with the KNLA (16 years of infighting is likely to make that relationship tenuous at best), the rump DKBA is hardly in a strong position.

Can anyone point me to the blacklist of drug smugglers (the one that so upset the sensitive Mr Beard) published by the Thai government, should make for interesting reading?

The newspaper refuses to respond to an earlier request in a post asking about this "so called' list. If the DKBA saw it, then why can't the newspaper publish it? It either doesn't exist or this whole thing about the Thais putting Mr. Beard's man on the list is just a diversion to deflect attention away from some Thai Mr. Bigs.

Karen Army.....heads up....get it, heads up, Karen long knecked tribe...............oh please yourselves

One of the dangers of being flippant about this situation is that you open yourself up fro all sorts of smart replies.. personally I think you have stuck your neck out here

Quite true monty1412, you just ran rings around his comments.

So refreshing to see people with a sense of humor on this forum.. :):)

Posted with Thaivisa App http://apps.thaivisa.com