Drugs, Tourism, and The Golden Triangle

History of the Golden Triangle

            For years the Golden Triangle was the world leader in growing and dealing opium and heroin, and selling it to other countries, especially China. The major source of the drugs in Asia was located in an area where three Southeastern Asian countries met, namely Northern Thailand, Burma, and Laos, thus earning the name, the Golden Triangle. This area was a hot spot for growing brightly colored poppy fields and concealing heroine labs in the jungle. The geographical location was founded when an abandoned Chinese army retreated into the area of Thailand where the three countries met. The Thai’s and Chinese soldiers made a deal where the Chinese would live in a small community in the Northern area of Thailand in return for protection of the Northern border. Here the Chinese discovered mountains of poppy fields, which were used to make opium. Southern China stretched right above the area of the Golden Triangle, making it extremely easy to import opium, heroine, and methamphetamines (otherwise known as “ice”) into China.

From soldiers, to farmers, to calculators. The Golden Triangle has rich history; beginning with the Chinese army, transforming to a herd of opium farmers and drug dealers, and finally to calculators. But what does it mean to say calculators? Are the Thai’s and Chinese calculating their earnings off drugs? Is the Golden Triangle still the world’s leader in opium and heroine trading? What happened?

What happened to the Golden Triangle?

            The modern day Golden Triangle is surprisingly nothing like the Golden Triangle of the past. Previously the Golden Triangle produced 70 percent of the world’s opium that was transformed into heroin, and today it only produces 5 percent. So what happened? Essentially, China began to realize the detrimental affects that opium and heroin had on its citizens, thus resulting in stricter drug policies. Prior to the crackdown, the people of China began a market for the drugs, and cases of HIV increased due to contaminated needles.

It is practical to say that warlords and drug dealers do not care about the effects the drugs have on their customers, otherwise they probably would not be selling the world’s most addicting drug for an extreme profit. So how come the Golden Triangle is no more? The largest influence on the matter is the crackdown on poppy fields, and economic pressure from China. The realization of the detrimental effects of the drugs, coupled with the general lack of want for the drug has led to a shift in poppy field growth from Southeast Asia to Afghanistan, where the Taliban currently provides 92 percent of the world’s opium and heroin.

                

China’s major role in shutting down the Triangle

            Less than a decade ago, the Golden Triangle was outsourcing a huge abundance of opium, heroin, and “ice” into China. At one point, the Chinese law enforcement confiscated 5.3 tons of heroin, and 272 tons of raw chemicals used to make the drug. The Chinese officials investigated 187 drug cases, and 148 “ice” cases. These numbers are astounding, and took place when the Golden Triangle was at its prime. The Chinese stepped up its law enforcement, as well as encouraged others, to fight the war on drugs, and encourage farmers to plant other crops rather than opium.

The modern Golden Triangle?

            Coming back to the question previously stated, what does it mean to say that instead of opium farmers, there are calculators? Today, the Golden Triangle has been turned into a major tourist attraction in Thailand, Burma, and Laos. Lei states that those calculators have been busy calculating the benefits of tourism as resort operators. As of late, expensive and luxurious hotels have been popping up in the Triangle in hopes of capturing wealthy tourists willing to spend money in a getaway spot. The Golden Triangle contains rich history, and tourists are now finding it attractive to visit a resort in the area.

                              

          One article explains that the new and improved Golden Triangle is a gold mind for tourism. Shops are being set up everywhere selling opium scales, t-shirts, lighters, and other gear proving that tourists were really at the Golden Triangle. The main attraction of this spot is a sign in the jungle stating, “Northernmost Point in Thailand.” For a fee, tourists take picture in front of the sign, which usually has armed soldiers in the background. For another fee, Thai natives get in the picture as well to add more of an exotic feel. Along with constant sale of merchandise, and petty expenses like pictures, the resorts make a killing. Hotels such as Anantara and the Four Seasons are stationed near the Golden Triangle, attracting all sorts of tourists. These hotels charge rooms from $400-$2,000 per night! The switch from drug spot to clean tourist attraction is a relief for China, and will benefit the country as a result.

Transition

            The Golden Triangle was, and still is, a beast. It transformed from a moneymaking drug hotspot, to a tourist goldmine. China is ecstatic to rid the addictive drug from their country, and Thailand, Burma, and Laos are thrilled to be making the same money, in a clean and progressive way.


Mike Pirozzi