Myanmar promotes success in opium poppy substitution

Thailand is providing 350 million baht (US$10.4 million) in partnering with Myanmar to develop alternatives to opium poppy cultivation in 56 villages in the border area of Mong Hsat in Shan State, according to Vice President U Sai Mauk Kham.

Speaking on June 26 at a ceremony to mark the UN’s International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the vice president said Myanmar was also using $9.1 million for opium substitution projects that began in 2010 in Hopong, Pinlaung and Loileng in southern Shan State.

He added that the Ministry of Border Affairs had developed bridges and roads, demarcated lands for education, healthcare and agriculture, provided water supply and electricity access, and built television relay stations and religious facilities.

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