Alarming Rise in Student Drug Use in Myanmar's Laukkai Region

Disturbing reports from the Laukkai region of Myanmar, controlled by the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), indicate a significant surge in drug use among students.

A resident of Laukkai revealed that a growing number of young individuals, including students as young as twelve or thirteen, are using various illicit substances such as ketamine ("K粉"), WY (a methamphetamine and caffeine pill), heroin, and crystal methamphetamine. He further stated that many of these drug-using children come from families with relatively good financial backgrounds. The situation has been exacerbated by the increased availability of drugs in the Laukkai area compared to previous times.

The concerned resident emphasized the deep worry among parents due to the escalating number of children involved in drug abuse.

Adding to the grim picture, a man who spent seven months receiving treatment at a Laukkai hospital reported widespread drug use in the area, leading to a rise in theft that has become uncontrollable. He recounted instances of thieves even operating within the hospital premises, noting that some patients' food had been stolen, including bread given to him, not to mention money.

Furthermore, local sources corroborate that the severe drug problem has directly contributed to an increase in theft cases. Despite efforts by the MNDAA to address the issue, they have yet to effectively control and eradicate drug-related crime in the region.

A parent expressed a broader concern, stating that drug use among young people is not limited to border areas but is visible in many parts of Myanmar, with tragic instances of sudden death occurring.

"Drug Juice" Emerges in Myanmar Border Region, Hooking Teenagers

Separate media reports from Myanmar highlight a concerning trend in the Tachileik area along the Thai-Myanmar border, where an increasing number of youths and students are consuming "kratom," a plant whose leaves have stimulant and opioid-like effects. Worried parents have voiced their anxieties over this development.

A woman from the area stated, "Recently, many shops selling Kratom have sprung up along my child's school route. Many of his friends in class also buy it to drink on weekends and during their free time. As a mother, I am very worried and have told my children to try their best to avoid it."

Reports indicate a rise this year in the number of children in the Tachileik region purchasing and consuming Kratom, leading to increased instances of children gathering to play games and visit shops to drink it.

Another local woman explained, "Now, many shops process kratom leaves into juice for sale, priced between 120 and 150 Thai baht. The methods of sale vary. We only know that this is made from kratom leaves and is addictive. Sometimes, there are no fewer than 30 people drinking in one shop."

Individuals who have consumed the "drug juice" report experiencing cravings after just two days, leading to dependence similar to that of opium.

Allegedly, vendors boil kratom leaves to extract the liquid and then process it into beverages with flavors like lychee, cucumber, and strawberry. Some even mix it with potent drugs such as sleeping pills before selling it, which can lead to rapid addiction among users.

In Thailand and Malaysia, kratom has been traditionally used by fishermen, locals, and laborers to combat fatigue and enable them to work for extended periods.

However, excessive consumption of kratom can lead to severe health issues, including difficulty breathing, stroke, inability to stop using, heart palpitations, and insomnia. Health warnings also indicate the potential for liver toxicity and even death.

Myanmar has been cultivating and producing kratom since 2005, but the government has officially declared a ban on its use.