Wa Army Denies Thaksin’s Drug Allegations | Bangkok Post
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s accusations against the United Wa State Army (UWSA) regarding drug trafficking have ignited a heated debate. This article dives deep into the allegations that the UWSA is a primary source of drugs entering Thailand, sparking significant concerns about the nation’s narcotics control efforts. The UWSA denies these claims, demanding concrete evidence to support the allegations. Experts are weighing in on the situation, with some advocating for increased pressure on Myanmar. News Directory 3 is closely following the story; the Thai government is now considering more assertive measures to address the situation. Discover what’s next.
Thailand Weighs Action as Ex-PM Accuses Myanmar Group of Drug Trafficking
Updated May 29, 2025
A former prime minister’s accusations have ignited a debate in Thailand over how to combat the flow of narcotics from Myanmar, focusing on the alleged role of the United Wa State Army (UWSA) in the drug trade.
thaksin shinawatra, the former prime minister, asserted that the UWSA is a primary source of drugs entering Thailand and should be dealt with firmly. In response, UWSA spokesperson Nyi Rang dismissed the claims as baseless. “It is just an accusation,” Nyi Rang told The Irrawaddy, an independent Myanmar news portal, and insisted that evidence is needed to support the allegation. He added that the UWSA is also fighting against drugs.
Nyi Rang stated that drug trafficking inevitably passes through the border region where the wa reside, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the Wa are involved.
Patrick Winn, a Bangkok-based journalist and author of ”narcotopia,” argues that the UWSA presides over a “narco-state,” despite providing governmental services. In an interview with The Diplomat, winn explained that Wa commanders typically lease territory to Chinese syndicates who run meth labs and handle international trafficking.
Speaking at the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, thaksin urged the Thai government to pressure Myanmar’s military junta to act within two months, or Thailand might need to intervene directly. Continued drug production, he warned, would be viewed as an act of hostility.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra responded to her father’s comments by saying she welcomes any practical information that aids the government’s ongoing anti-drug efforts.She noted that major drug seizures have already resulted from such tips.
Thaksin Shinawatra delivers a lecture on drugs and transnational crime at the Office of the Narcotics Control Board in Bangkok on May 27. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)
Dulyapak Preecharush,a Southeast Asian Studies scholar at Thammasat University,echoed Thaksin’s concerns,calling the UWSA a serious threat to Thailand.He cited cross-border incursions, pollution, and narcotics trafficking as consequences of UWSA operations in the Golden Triangle.
Preecharush advocated for a proactive strategy,including pressure tactics and clear timelines for the Myanmar government’s response. He emphasized that vague promises are insufficient.
“Thailand had better implement a proactive strategy to enhance its capacity to pressure the UWSA to stop their unfriendly behaviours, which are a threat to Thailand and the region alike,” Preecharush said.
He suggested that Thailand’s response should involve the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,Ministry of Defense,and National Security Council,as well as using regional mechanisms to discuss drug issues with Myanmar.
What’s next
Thailand is expected to consider a more assertive approach, perhaps involving diplomatic and security measures, to address the alleged drug production and trafficking activities originating from the UWSA-controlled regions of Myanmar.