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. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens