We finally set foot on the Golden Triangle on 24 January 2014. It was exactly eighteen years since the surrender of the drug warlord Khun Sa's Mong Tai Army to the Myanmar government in January 1996. Today, Golden Triangle opens its hands wide to welcome tourists from all nationalities especially those willing to part their monies in the casinos built just along the bank of Mekong River.
Sadly, even after the surrender of Khun Sa's army in 1996, Myanmar's poppies cultivation and drug production has not been totally eliminated and it is still ranked as the second major producer after Afghanistan. In Thailand, we could learn about poppies cultivation, trading and indulgence in the drug in the 212 House of Opium (Museum).
In the Golden Triangle, there is geographically a point in the confluence of Mekong River and Ruak River (a tributary from Thailand) where one can simultaneously be in three countries: Thailand, Myanmar and Laos.
Confluence of Ruak River and Mekong River
Simultaneously in three countries: Thailand, Myanmar and Laos.
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Paradise Casino, Myanmar.
Kings Roman Casino, Laos
Our tour guide was a bit disappointed that Thailand being the most developed among the three countries didi not pursue to be the first to build a casino in their side of the Golden Triangle. Somehow, the Thai government decided against it because it was considered taboo to engage in gambling business. Laos and Myanmar also recognized as Buddhist countries decided otherwise. Now they are not only earning money from foreign tourists but also Thai gamblers who cross the borders to try their luck!
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