Myanmar (Burma) & United Wa State Army

We try not to get involved with the politics here at the border of Myanmar (Burma) and Thailand. I always need to remember that I am an invited guest here in the "Land of Smiles".

There is something happening in Myanmar (Burma) that you might be interested in.

First, read this story written for the New York Times about ten days ago. Just CLICK HERE for the story.

I verified it with some folks that know and the battle between the United Wa State Army and the Burmese (Myanmar) Army is gearing up, big time. You can read about what happened in August by CLICKING HERE.

You can read more News about this subject at http://shanland.org/. Click on the "NEWS" tab at the top left of page.

The fighting, I'm told, will be along the China border, several hundred kilometer north from here and on the other side of a high mountain range.

The high mountain range is the part that will keep us safe here in Mae Sai, Thailand.

To see the area that the expected battles will take place CLICK HERE.

Tachilek is the town on the other side of the little river from us in Myanmar. This town is noted for the supplying of methamphetamine pills called YABA.
Officials have reported enormous drug seizures in recent months, including one in August, 2009 of more than 1,600 pounds.

You can read more about YABA in Thailand by CLICKING HERE.

The massive quanities of heroin and other drugs, which are being sold for weapons money, are crossing the Thailand border here in northern Thailand; mostly above the City of Chiang Mai. That is a few hundred kilometers to the west of us.

I am told that the numbers (quantity of drugs and trafficking) in the stories above are probably very understated. Folks say the movement of drugs is higher than anyone here has ever seen before and this is the "Golden Triangle"!

Don't worry about us as we will stay safe.