DOI TUNG MODEL FOR DRUG-FREE WA VILLAGE

Doi Tung development project in Mae Fa Luang district is being used as a
model for the ethnic Wa hilltribe to turn a drug village in Burma into a
drug-free zone, after the closure of drug-related businesses in Tachilek.

M.R. Ditsanatda Ditsakul, director of Doi Tung development project, said
the government had assigned Mae Fa Luang Foundation and project
co-ordinators to survey Burma's Ban Yongkha, opposite Mae Fa Luang
district, and find out how to encourage Wa villagers there to stop growing
drug plants and selling drugs.

Pao Yu-i, a Wa leader, co-operated with Thai staff in conducting the survey
and planning the construction of dykes with a 20-million-baht budget from
Thailand.

M.R. Ditsanatda said Hong Pang Co in Tachilek, suspected of involvement in
drug trade, had been closed down a week ago and the Wa's Pang Sang town had
become drug-free due to Rangoon's serious clampdown on drugs.