Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has made serious allegations against the United Wa State Army (UWSA), which is based in northern Shan State, claiming they are involved in drug production and trafficking. Thaksin asserts that he has evidence of drug laboratories operating within UWSA-controlled territories. He further claims that the influx of narcotics into Thailand is directly linked to UWSA operations, suggesting that if Myanmar fails to take action, the international community should intervene.
However, UWSA spokesperson U Nyi Rang has strongly denied these accusations. He maintains that the UWSA has no involvement in drug production or trafficking operations. While acknowledging that drug traffickers might pass through Wa territory, he emphasized that this occurs without UWSA’s involvement or consent. The spokesperson further stated that the UWSA has been actively engaged in counter-narcotics efforts and remains committed to combating drug trafficking in their region.
Thaksin Shinawatra first publicly made these allegations on May 27, claiming to possess photographic evidence of drug-related activities. He announced his intention to seek assistance from both the Myanmar military and Chinese government in addressing this issue. Thaksin warned that if these authorities fail to take appropriate action, Thailand would be forced to handle the situation directly. However, as of now, Thaksin has not publicly presented the evidence he claims to possess regarding these drug-related activities. The situation highlights the ongoing tensions and complexities surrounding drug trafficking allegations in the region, particularly concerning the role of various armed groups and the challenges of border control and enforcement.
