The ongoing armed conflict in Myanmar has resulted in an increase in drug trafficking to acquire military equipment, according to Thailand’s ONCB.

October 3, 2024

The ongoing conflict in Myanmar has resulted in an increase in cross-border drug trafficking, with drug cartels forming alliances with the country’s armed forces. An official from Thailand’s Anti-Narcotics Bureau has revealed that the armed forces in Shan and Kachin have drug testing laboratories.

Northern Thailand remains the main route for smuggling illegal drugs into the country. Apikit Ch. Rojprasert, an official from ONCB, Thailand’s anti-narcotics agency, said drug shipments cross the Mekong River or the jungle, while psychoactive substances are transported to the Thai side.

In addition, he stated that drug-related criminal networks have formed alliances with armed groups in Myanmar and that armed groups in Shan and Kachin states operate drug testing and production laboratories.

An ONCB official said: “The armed conflict in Myanmar has turned drug trafficking into an important source of financing for the purchase of military equipment. In addition, drug trafficking has contributed to ongoing conflicts. Neighboring countries cooperate with drug traffickers. I am aware of the crimes being committed.”

The Thai government plans to take control of Chiang Mai, located in the north of the country. According to the ONCB, the amount of methamphetamine seized in the Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son areas in the first eight months of this year was 17 percent higher than the amount seized in 2023. The ONCB reported that more than 346 million methamphetamines were seized in 2023 alone, with the number of seizures reaching a record high before the end of the year.
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