DKBA-permitted opium brew shops now operating inside closed schools in Phayathonezu, Kayin
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Hsu/ Thant Zin (NP News) - July 22
In Phayathonezu, a town on the Myanmar-Thailand border in Kayin State, "Asian" (opium leaf) brew shops have surged in number. Operating with permission from the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA), these shops have, according to local residents who spoke with The Statesman, even begun operating inside closed school compounds. Local reports suggest up to 75% of the town's population consumes the brew.
Currently, all government-run public schools in the town are closed, and it is reported that residential houses and shops have expanded into these closed school compounds.
"It's not just houses within the compound anymore—people are even living in classrooms and dormitories now. There are also shops inside school compounds selling opium leaf brew. Government schools aren’t operating at all, and these brew shops have become widespread in Phayathonezu. This drink, made by boiling what they call 'opium leaves' and mixing the liquid with Coca-Cola, has been popular among Mon and Kayin communities for a long time. Many people drink it—men, women, even children. It is estimated that about 75% of the town consumes it," a local man said. These opium leaf brew shops, which now exceed 200 in number, are located within the roughly 2-mile radius of the town and operate by paying a protection fee to the DKBA, he added.
"You have to pay a fee to DKBA to get permission to open one of those shops. They’re all over town, in every neighborhood. It’s a profitable business. I don’t know the exact fee amount that they pay for DKBA, but those with close connections to DKBA members are allowed to operate these shops as a source of income. But opening them inside school compounds is totally inappropriate. That brew is worse than alcohol or beer — it’s highly addictive. You can see it in people’s faces — they become visibly bloated," he continued.
The effective control of Phayathonezu by DKBA armed forces has led to an increase in drug-related and criminal activities, causing growing concern among local residents. Exacerbating these issues, the same source reports that inflated basic commodity prices and disruptions to internet and electricity from the Thai side have pushed residents to depend on costly solar panels and Starlink internet.
"Ordinary people are buying small solar-powered lights. The wealthier and more influential ones are using larger generators and solar panels. Thailand has shut down access to electricity-related services. So people now buy everything from the Myanmar side. Only those with sufficient financial means can afford the current high prices," the source said. –