Once CIA-backed Chinese rebels, now you’re invited to their hideaway

August 30, 2019 4:38 AM

Former CIA-backed guerrillas — rivals of Chairman Mao Zedong — are now embracing the tourism industry, years after setting up the arteries and networks that sustain the Golden Triangle drug trade to this day.
posted by Blasdelb (6 comments total)

First time I (clueless Aussie backpacker) was in Chiang Mai there was a safety question about going up to Chiang Rai - there was some sort of rule against it for tourists. Khun Sa had just defected/retired to Rangoon, and various factions were competing for the evacuated territory. You’d meet people who’d not-quite-brag (or just brag) about going further North.

One day the Bangkok Post reported that the govt had said that Chiang Rai was now safe and open for tourism: the shells were all falling in the jungle.

I headed South.
posted by pompomtom at 6:28 AM on August 30, 2019 [1 favorite]

I am waiting to hear about a drug industry not directly supported and sponsored by the CIA. “Are we the baddies?” “Well, duh!”
posted by Meatbomb at 7:06 AM on August 30, 2019 [4 favorites]

Drugs are the opiate of the powerful.
posted by Reyturner at 7:27 AM on August 30, 2019 [1 favorite]

Very interesting story, thanks.
posted by y2karl at 9:54 AM on August 30, 2019

Worth remembering that Hong Kong's special status is also a result of European powers (UK) plying their opium trade with a vengeance.
posted by stonepharisee at 10:24 AM on August 30, 2019

Perhaps related is this tweet from the CIA, a few minutes ago.
posted by doctornemo at 1:50 PM on August 30, 2019