The narcotics problems in Burma: Insurgency, drugs, politics, and poverty

Authors

Jesse Earle Odum

Publication Date

2008-01-01

Abstract

The illegal drug problem in Burma is alarming and affects not only Southeast Asia, but the entire world. The problem has been shaped by decades of internal conflict. Fighting between ethnic groups began before Burma's independence. The country has not had a moment of peace since independence from British colonization. The aggressive military junta continues to destroy the licit economy in Burma and continues to destroy opportunities for the country to receive much needed foreign aid and assistance. The military government has created an environment that condones and indirectly encourages involvement in the drug trade and other illicit activities. The drug situation continues to worsen. As opium has gradually been reduced, Amphetamine Type Stimulants have replaced opium as an even greater threat to the global community. Burma needs international assistance to rein in its continually increasing drug trade.

DOI

10.58837/CHULA.ARV.21.1.3

First Page

37

Last Page

67

Recommended Citation

Odum, Jesse Earle (2008) "The narcotics problems in Burma: Insurgency, drugs, politics, and poverty," Asian Review: Vol. 21: No. 1, Article 4.
DOI: 10.58837/CHULA.ARV.21.1.3
Available at: https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/arv/vol21/iss1/4