drugs



STORY OF THE DAY • Mar 06, 2023 • 7 min read

Opinion Philippines human rights violations persist despite EU optimism

By Chris Fitzgerald • Mar 06, 2023
Despite statements emerging from the recent EU delegation visit to the Philippines that the human rights situation has improved under current president Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., drug raid killings and crackdowns on activism and free speech continue

Aug 25, 2021 • 13 min read
Analysis

Cambodia risks becoming a hub in the Mekong region’s thriving drug trade

Uncertainty and turmoil in the Golden Triangle, Southeast Asia's long-time narcotics hub, means syndicates are casting an eye across the Mekong for next steps. With soaring meth seizures, Cambodia is showing signs of becoming central to the region's drug trade
By John Wojcik • Aug 25, 2021

Aug 24, 2021 • 2 min read
Drugs

Thailand takes kratom off illegal drug list

Thailand decriminalised kratom, a tropical leaf long used for herbal remedy, but some health regulators around the world have criticised it as potentially unsafe
By Agence France-Presse • Aug 24, 2021

Feb 17, 2021 • 4 min read
Drugs

Thai meth barons look closer to home as pandemic curbs exports

Thailand has long been a global gateway for exports of meth, but the coronavirus pandemic's sudden disruption of international transport has seen a surge in cut-price "yaba" tablets in the local market
By Pitcha Dangprasith and Lisa Martin/AFP • Feb 17, 2021

Aug 21, 2020 • 10 min read
History

Not settling for less: Anti-opium movements in the Straits Settlements

While opium addiction emerged as a region-wide scourge in the 19th century, abolitionists in the small British colony of the Straits Settlements took on the imperial government and played an instrumental role in bringing about a worldwide ban
By Wanpen Pajai • Aug 21, 2020

May 21, 2020 • 8 min read
Drug trafficking

As governments turn to the virus, Southeast Asia’s narcotics trade booms

Southeast Asia's booming narcotics industry has only been given a helping hand in recent months as governments turn their attention to combating Covid-19. With prices dropping and potency rising, the drug trade could be set to hit the region harder than ever
By Andrew Haffner • May 21, 2020

Dec 19, 2019 • 12 min read
Opioid epidemic

Southeast Asia’s looming fentanyl crisis

Last week, Southeast Asia Globe uncovered the presence of fentanyl in at least one batch of street drugs in Bangkok – potentially the first discovery of its kind in Thailand. With the potent opioid destroying communities across North America, advocates and people who use drugs worry of the potentially devastating effect of fentanyl infiltrating Southeast Asia
By Samantha McCabe • Dec 19, 2019

Nov 20, 2019 • 7 min read
Drugs in Cambodia

Second chances

A deluge of cheap pills from the nearby Golden Triangle means many young Cambodians are vulnerable to getting hooked on drugs. But community-based organisations could hold the key to pushing back against addiction
By Thim Rachna • Nov 20, 2019