Pubdate: Sat, 17 Dec 2005
Source: Chiangmai Mail (Thailand)
Copyright: 2005 Chiangmai Mail
Contact:  http://www.chiangmai-mail.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3105

OPIUM GROWING AREA IN BURMA DECREASES FROM 1 MIO TO 200,000 RAI

A joint seminar on drugs control measures between Thailand and Burma
was hosted by Pol Lt Gen Kritsana Pol-anan, secretary general of the
Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), Brig Gen Saw Win, chief of
police and of the central committee of the Burmese narcotics control
board, and Pithaya Jinawat, director of ONCB Northern Region, in
Chiang Mai on December 9.

The seminar examined progress on the planting of cash crops to replace
the growing of opium. At Baan Yong Kha in Burma the Thai authorities
have helped villagers find markets for their alternative crops, and
progress is good. The area previously used for opium growing has
decreased from almost one million rai to 200,000 rai. Cooperation from
villagers has been very positive, the seminar heard, and the Burmese
authorities are able to name specific areas as being completely free
of narcotic plants.

Opium growing in Laos has been reduced by a similar degree and the
government there will soon be in a position to proclaim certain areas
as free of narcotics. The Baan Yong Kha model is to be tried out in
other parts of Burma, Laos and Thailand, and in Vietnam and China.
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake