Pubdate: Wed, 08 May 2002
Source: Bangkok Post (Thailand)
Copyright: The Post Publishing Public Co., Ltd. 2002
Contact:  http://www.bangkokpost.co.th/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/39

DOI TUNG MODEL FOR DRUG-FREE WA VILLAGE

Doi Tung development project in Mae Fa Luang district is being used as a 
model for the ethnic Wa hilltribe to turn a drug village in Burma into a 
drug-free zone, after the closure of drug-related businesses in Tachilek.

M.R. Ditsanatda Ditsakul, director of Doi Tung development project, said 
the government had assigned Mae Fa Luang Foundation and project 
co-ordinators to survey Burma's Ban Yongkha, opposite Mae Fa Luang 
district, and find out how to encourage Wa villagers there to stop growing 
drug plants and selling drugs.

Pao Yu-i, a Wa leader, co-operated with Thai staff in conducting the survey 
and planning the construction of dykes with a 20-million-baht budget from 
Thailand.

M.R. Ditsanatda said Hong Pang Co in Tachilek, suspected of involvement in 
drug trade, had been closed down a week ago and the Wa's Pang Sang town had 
become drug-free due to Rangoon's serious clampdown on drugs.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens