Drug crackdown at the border: the Wa issue

The Paetongtarn Shinawatra administration has elevated the fight against illicit drugs to a national priority, aiming for an aggressive crackdown to eliminate the problem. The government has announced that 10 pilot provinces must achieve a 90% drug-free status by Songkran 2025.

Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai utilised the Chiang Mai mobile Cabinet meeting to tighten enforcement efforts. 

Tasked with responsibility for Chiang Mai, a pilot province bordering drug-producing regions, the Phamuang Force and Region 5 Provincial Police were instructed to intensify border seals and implement robust drug-suppression measures. 

These efforts include proactive strategies to disrupt drug-trafficking routes leading to central Thailand and eventually to the South, as well as dismantling production and distribution networks through cross-border collaboration.

"I want to see a serious crackdown on drugs. The Phamuang Force must secure the borders. This is a matter of concern for senior authorities. Region 5 Police, responsible for areas bordering drug-producing neighbours, must decisively address this issue," Phumtham saic.

He acknowledged the challenges in destroying drug production sites and safe houses in minority-dominated border areas, citing the complexities of working with autonomous groups under foreign governments. However, he emphasised the need for collaboration with Myanmar to monitor and manage these border areas effectively.

"Though minorities may face challenges, [narcotics] are unacceptable for Thailand. We must protect our sovereignty and counter all threats. Any incursions into Thai territory will not be tolerated," Phumtham declared.

The government’s aggressive anti-drug campaign has added pressure to existing tensions along Thailand’s borders with minority-dominated areas. These efforts have spilled over into disputed territories where border demarcation remains unresolved.

Recent reports indicate escalating tensions in Mae Hong Son province, where the United Wa State Army (UWSA) reinforced positions with heavy weaponry after Thai authorities' orders to withdraw from the Doi Nong Luang area.

This incident occurred shortly after senior members of the UWSA forces met with Thai officials in Chiang Mai to discuss drug trafficking, illegal immigration, and alleged border incursions.

Since 1997, the UWSA has maintained bases along the border ridgeline, with six bases near Mae Hong Son and five near Chiang Mai.

A source in the Phamuang Force explained that the UWSA, a minority group in Myanmar, were historically utilised by the Myanmar government to combat Shan forces in exchange for territorial control. 

Over time, the group expanded its presence, establishing bases in border zones. However, unresolved boundary demarcations between Thailand and Myanmar have led to overlapping claims, where UWSA activities in the ridgeline areas are considered ambiguous rather than direct incursions.

"We’ve utilised every diplomatic channel to coordinate with Myanmar’s military, seeking their cooperation. However, Myanmar’s government still lacks full control over these areas, exacerbating the issue. The Thai government’s anti-drug policy is undoubtedly a contributing factor to these already existing tensions," the source admitted.

According to the database of the Region 5 Provincial Police Command, a detailed drug situation map for northern Thailand has been compiled, outlining major and secondary drug production sources within its jurisdiction.

Major Drug Production Sources

The main hubs include Wa, Kokang and Mengla, controlled by:
Wei and Bao clans under the UWSA’s 318th Brigade
Group of Colonel Ja Lo Bo, deputy commander of UWSA
Nai Ja Ngoi Group 
General Pang Fa Group.

Secondary Drug Production Sources

Secondary hubs are in the Northern Shan State Shan group in central Shan State, controlled by:
Paramilitary forces under Major Mahacha, opposite Mae Hong Son province
BGF 1007 led by Lt Col Ja Pi Goi, across from Chiang Dao district
Khun Nam Rak, GIG, Greenland Group, in Tachilek province.

Addressing the drug problem is not only on the Thai national agenda but also an international priority. Seen by many as one of the most severe forms of transnational crime, combating drug trafficking requires ASEAN collaboration. These large-scale production and storage facilities hidden along border areas represent a persistent challenge necessitating joint efforts for effective resolution.