A war of words has erupted between Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand, and the United Wa State Army (UWSA), a powerful ethnic armed group in Myanmar.
The UWSA spokesmen, U Yie Rang, fired back at Thaksin’s claims that the group is behind the cross-border drug trade.
He argued that these are baseless accusations that need proof. The UWSA is also fighting against drugs, just like the Thai authorities.
Everybody knows there are many armed groups in the border area, and we are constantly fighting against drugs.
The UWSA denies involvement in the drug trade, despite being based in the border area where drugs often pass through.
The group is urging the Thai side to carefully consider the evidence before making sweeping accusations against ethnic groups in the border areas of Myanmar.
This came after Thaksin delivered a speech on “Drugs and Transnational Crime” at the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, stating that if Myanmar cannot handle the armed groups producing drugs, Thailand must take action itself.
Thaksin views these groups as enemies of Thailand and suggests the government take a clear stance.
He proposed using some of the digital wallet project budget for anti-drug campaigns and establishing rehabilitation centers in every district.
Thaksin also revealed that Thailand’s Foreign Minister will meet with foreign ministers of neighboring countries to discuss cooperation in pressuring drug-producing groups, particularly the UWSA.
According to Irrawaddy, the situation remains tense.