Chiang Rai in the Media
Zhang Yan Stands Trial on Mekong killings of 13 Sailors
Chiangrai Times – The story begins at the start of 2011, when two Chinese cargo ships refused to pay protection money to a large drug-trafficking gang on the Mekong River. In both cases, the captains refused to negotiate with the gang and continued on their way.
On Sept 22, 2011, the Myanmar army rented two Chinese merchant ships to act as decoys in an operation to wipe out the gang and several members were either killed or injured.
Naw Kham, the leader of the gang, swore revenge.
On Oct 5 the ships that had refused to pay protection money, Hua Ping and Yu Xing 8, were attacked and 13 Chinese fishermen aboard were murdered.
Naw Kham will stand trial in Kunming, capital of Southwest China’s Yunnan province, on Thursday. In an exclusive interview with China Daily, Chinese police revealed the details of the case, the subsequent investigation and the arrest of the gang leader.
“The prosecution case is that Naw Kham’s criminal gang colluded with renegade Thai soldiers in premeditated attacks on Chinese ships,” said Xian Yanming, deputy director of the Yunnan Provincial Public Security Bureau.
“According to the agreement, Naw Kham’s group would hijack Chinese cargo ships, conceal drugs on board to frame the crew and then send them into Thai waters to make it appear that the authorities had uncovered a major drug-related case and killed the ‘drug traffickers’. Meanwhile, Naw Kham’s drug-trafficking ships would have unimpeded passage through Thai waters,” said Xian.
Naw Kham, a 44-year-old Myanmar national, was a former aide to the late drug warlord Khun Sa, the former leader of the now defunct Shan rebel Mong Thai Army, according to Liu Yuejin, director of the narcotics control department of the Ministry of Public Security.
When Khun Sa surrendered to the authorities in 1996, Naw Kham consolidated his powerbase and recruited members to form a new gang, said Liu.
The gang had more than 100 members and an arsenal that included AK-47 assault rifles and M16 semi-automatic rifles, plus bazookas and machine guns, according to Yu Haibin, a senior police officer from the narcotics control department and director of the team China sent to Laos to conduct an investigation.
“The gang was mainly active in the Golden Triangle region, the border area between Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. It was involved in various violent crimes, including the manufacture and trafficking of drugs, kidnapping, robbery, blackmail, charging protection money and murder along the Mekong River. All this posed a threat to the lives of crew members and endangered their property,” said Yu.
Between 2008 and 2011, the gang launched 28 attacks against Chinese cargo ships on the Mekong River, killing 16 Chinese citizens and injuring three. They made around 400 million yuan ($63 million) from these activities, according to statistics from the Yunnan Provincial Public Security Bureau.
In addition, 13 Myanmar police officers have been killed by the gang since 2010.
“These armed suspects were both cunning and violent and we risked our lives every day,” said Hu Zujun, director of the anti-drugs bureau of the Yunnan Provincial Public Security Bureau.
“During the 10 months of the investigation, we made every effort to cooperate with our counterparts from the three other countries to finally arrest Naw Kham and destroy his organization,” he said.
He said the murders occurred in the Golden Triangle, where drug traffickers, mafia-type gangs and illegal “armies” frequently made armed sorties to seize more interests, which resulted in no effective control, chaotic public order and a grim security situation.
“The fact that the incident took place outside China and the suspects were foreigners greatly limited the police’s capacity for intelligence collection, investigation and arrests, which made the preliminary investigation very difficult,” said Hu.
After cooperating with the Thai police, inspecting the murder scene, attending autopsies and paying visits to 200 crewmen in 30 merchant ships, the Chinese police got firsthand information, he said.
“The investigation of the crime scene, criminal means and a comprehensive analysis of intelligence suggest strongly that Naw Kham’s gang was responsible for the murders,” said Hu.
A Chinese police boat leaves Guanlei Port on the Mekong River in Yunnan province, on Dec 10. Chinese police started joint patrols with their counterparts from Laos, Myanmar and Thailand to maintain security along the river.
Core member arrested
In November, Chinese police received intelligence that a core member of the gang was trafficking drugs in the border area between China and Myanmar, along the Mekong River, said Liu.
They immediately notified the Myanmar police, who arrested the man. Under interrogation, the suspect confessed that a man called Yi Lai, the gang’s No 3, had told him that the October murders were committed by Naw Kham’s group.
Chinese police cooperated closely with their Laotian counterparts, and in December 2011, Yi Lai was arrested as he traveled on a bus to northwestern Laos, said Hu.
He confessed that Naw Kham’s gang had colluded with renegade Thai soldiers to plan and commit the murders. The confession also provided the investigating team with further information about key members of the gang, its organizational structure, its whereabouts and planned activities, he added.
“After Yi Lai was detained, the gang moved to the high, dense forests of Myanmar, rarely moving or communicating with the outside world,” said Zhao Chengfeng, a senior officer from the anti-drugs department of the Public Security Ministry and director of the special work team that was sent to investigate in Myanmar.
Naw Kham escapes
On Dec 6, police conducted a sweep of the villages along the Mekong River and discovered that Naw Kham was hiding in a village in Boqiao province in Laos. Chinese police cooperated with the Laotians to surround the village and Naw Kham’s wife was arrested, along with key gang members. Firearms, ammunition and landmines were seized in the raid.
However, with the help of some villagers, Naw Kham escaped in a boat he paddled across the river to Myanmar and the authorities’ first attempt to arrest him failed.
“Because of the dense forest and complex terrain in Myanmar, we couldn’t search for Naw Kham, but we found one Myanmar suspect, who had a close connection with him,” explained Ma Jun, a police officer from Dali prefecture public security bureau in Yunnan province who participated in the arrest.
The suspect gave police the location of the gang’s new camp, deep in the forests of Myanmar.
“A dozen tents were set up and more than 40 armed men guarded the campsite,” Ma said. “In the daytime, only one small path led to the camp, but at night it was closed off with fallen trees and the surrounding grassland was covered with landmines.”
“In all other directions, there were virgin forests packed with armed guards. We risked losing our lives at any time,” said Ma.
“Although they were hiding deep in the forest, a farm supplied them with fresh beef and fruit. Naw Kham continued to order his gang members to commit crimes and charge protection money along the Mekong River,” he added.
In February, a joint Chinese-Myanmar police operation raided the campsite. However, Naw Kham again evaded arrest after a sentry warned him of the raid, said Ma.
On April 20, the gang’s second-in-command, San Kang, was arrested by Myanmar police on the border between Thailand and Myanmar and five days later Naw Kham himself was finally detained in Laos.
After protracted negotiations, he was formally transferred to Chinese police in Beijing by the Laotian authorities.
By May 10, more than 50 gang members had surrendered to the police in Laos and Myanmar and the gang was finally eradicated.
Successful operation
“The murders happened overseas. All the investigations, arrests and evidence collection were carried out outside China, and all the suspects were foreigners. That’s unprecedented in the history of the Chinese police,” said Liu.
Chinese police actively cooperated with their counterparts in Laos, Myanmar and Thailand, and the Public Security Ministry established a special investigation team that sent working groups to the three countries to assist with the investigations.
More than 200 Chinese police participated in the cases, said Li Zhuqun, a senior police officer from the international cooperation department of the ministry.
In addition, the Chinese special investigation teams shared information with the three countries, providing details of Naw Kham’s group, activities of his key members, and clues to provide intelligence support, according to Li.
When the Chinese police were limited in their ability to operate outside China, they cooperated with the police forces from Laos and Myanmar to aid a joint cleanup operation and provide an obvious deterrent, he said.
“We sent police to Laos and Myanmar to carry out interrogations, and exchanged evidence with Thailand to obtain 17 copies of the murder report, which ran to 480 pages and 200 photos, to further complete the chain of evidence,” said Li.
“We offered to provide a total of 600 pages of evidence to the Thais to prove that several renegade Thai soldiers colluded with Naw Kham’s group to plan and carry out the murders. That strongly helped the joint attack on the gang and the investigation into the soldiers, ” he added.
“The successful cracking of the case is a strong and successful example of the Chinese government’s right to protect the legitimate interests and rights of Chinese citizens overseas,” Liu said.
“The nine Thai military suspects are under detention in Thailand and will face charges of murder and disposing of the bodies. They will be tried in their local court in October,” said Sun Shaobin, a senior officer from the anti-drug department of the Public Security Ministry.
“Shipping on the Mekong River has gradually returned to normal, with 81 Chinese cargo vessels on the river, and trade and the exchange of personnel have resumed,” said Liu. – By Zhang Yan ( China Daily)
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CHIANG RAI – Situated in the northern part of Thailand, Chiang Rai slips under the radar of tourists as the area is not as popular as its neighboring city Chiang Mai.
However, Chiang Rai actually offers one-of-a-kind attractions, varying from a majestic white temple to Akha tribe tradition, which cannot be found anywhere else.
Those wanting to know more about Chiang Rai may consult the list below:
Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)
Pha Mee village
Located in Mae Sai district, Pha Mee village is home to the Akha hill tribe. In the past, the village was known as an opium producer and conflict area. However, with the help from the late King Rama IX, Pha Mee has transformed into a peaceful village.
During Asean Travel Journo Camp – a nine-day trip organized by Thai Journalists Association and Thai AirAsia to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Association of Southeast Asian Nations – The Jakarta Post discovered that the tribe recently developed a community-based tourism program, allowing tourists to catch a glimpse of their daily lives through various activities.
By contacting local guides such as Local Alike or go to the Pha Mee directly, tourists can expect to learn about Akha hill tribe tradition, the village history, sample the local Arabica coffee or hop on the village’s giant swing.
Singha Park
Singha is recognized as a Thai beer producer. However, in Singha Park, visitors would not see brewery or the likes, but instead a picturesque oolong tea plantation.
Meanwhile, tucked inside the park, the Phu Phi Lom restaurant is ready to satisfy your taste buds with Northern Thai delicacies.
By Jessicha Valentina
The Jakarta Post
Two villagers pulled my seat and I screamed at the top of my lungs as the cool breeze hits my cheeks.
CHIANG RAI – The Akha’s giant swing, located on the hill of Pha Mee village in Mae Sai district, Chiang Rai, Thailand, was made of woods, ropes and tire. No safety equipment was seen around the swing, only a villager controlling one rope on the side.
Our guide, who is also Local Alike sustainable tourism initiator, Bow Pongnin, ensured us the swing is safe, explaining that it has been a tradition in the village for men to remove the wooden seat and swing as high as they could to prove their manhood.
I felt excited when seeing Pongnin and two Akha natives hopped on the swing. After they were done, I raised my hand, wanting to try it too, of course with a seat on.
As I walked towards the giant swing, I could see the bear-shaped mountains, reminding me of Akha tribe community leader Pho Luang’s story that Pha Mee village’s name was derived from the shape.
I climbed the seat and hold on the rope tightly. Two villagers pulled my seat and I screamed at the top of my lungs as the cool breeze hits my cheeks. I tried to keep my eyes open to make sure I would not fall down the hill as well as to record the breathtaking views on my mind.
After a while, I asked the villager to stop the swing. I felt fortunate as I landed on the ground, fully intact.
The giant swing is not merely for entertainment, but a part of Akha tribe traditions I learned during Asean Travel Journo Camp, an event initiated by Thai Journalists Association and Thai AirAsia.
Though the appearance looked decent, the giant swing plays a crucial role in the life of Akha people, indigenous tribe living in the northern part of Thailand.
In addition to a place for the men to show their manhood, the giant swing’s area is a central spot during Akha’s New Year. In fact, it is considered sacred as visitors are not allowed to look back while entering the gate. “They believe it is going to give bad luck,” said Pongnin.
After trying the giant swing, Pongnin and Pha Mee Community Tourism Enterprise vice president Phakakarn Rongpracharat brought us to a wooden lodge, explaining the community relationship with Thailand former King Rama IX.
Nowadays, Akha tribe grows coffee for a living. However, it was not always the case. Back in the early 1970s, the villagers produced opium to make ends meet.
Opium production was not the only issue. Pha Mee village is located a stone’s throw away from Myanmar border and conflicts happened frequently, making some of the villagers wanted to move from the area.
Fortunately, with the help of King Rama IX, Pha Mee has become a livable peaceful village. The King was said to study the area and suggest them to grow coffee, a tradition they still keep up to this day.
Though peace has come to the village, some people still associated Pha Mee with drugs.
To change the negative image and promote the village, 30 members of the community worked hand-in-hand to develop community-based tourism program, starting from October last year.
Before landing on the giant swing, this tourism community brought us to catch a glimpse of their daily lives through several activities, such as weaving, making local snack, homecoming tradition and trying Akha traditional clothing that includes a five-kilogram silver headpiece. These activities were designed for tourists to learn more about their culture.
Rongpracharat told The Jakarta Post that they enjoy hosting people. “At first we did not have any idea how to start [the community-based tourism], but with the help from several organizations, such as AirAsia and Local Alike, they started to understand it,” she said.
She added that tourism activity had become one of the ways to preserve the tradition.
“Time has changed. Sometime, the children feel shy to wear their traditional Akha clothing. [Since we started the tourism program] the children began to feel proud [to wear the traditional clothing],” she explained.
After the entire activities were done, the community sent us back to our vans. We bid goodbye and, surprisingly, I felt a bit melancholy. In less than 12 hours, this community not only made me understand their traditions, but their hospitality made me, temporarily at least, feel as a part of them.
Jessicha Valentina
The Jakarta Post
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Chiang Rai is often compared to what Chiang Mai was like years ago before tourism boomed and saturated the local community. This Northeast Thailand gem sits within the heart of the Golden Triangle just a mere few hours from the borders of Laos and Myanmar and a scenic four hour bus ride through Doi Luang National Park from Chiang Mai.
Out of the way for most travelers, Chiang Rai has remained unspoiled by the robust influx of tourism. It boasts contemporary Asian urban flair with an artistic and hippie-esque ambiance while retaining Thai authenticity. I set down roots in Chiang Rai after backpacking around Southeast Asia for five months. You can get a taste of the small town expat life here and how the expats and locals have peacefully integrated, living side by side in harmony.
Before I moved to Chiang Rai, a spontaneous weekend visit while traveling was enough to make me fall in love with its quirky charm and creative vibes. What does a weekend in Chiang Rai look like? Sit back, close your eyes and take my hand. Let’s go on a Chiang Rai adventure.
First, we travel there on the back of an elephant…
Just kidding folks, I know riding elephants is a touchy subject; Chiang Rai has its own international airport if you’d rather fly. The popular option is to travel by bus from Chiang Mai. Purchase your ticket at the Green Bus counter in Arcade Bus Station. They have regular buses leaving throughout the day.
Transportation Tip: Renting a motorbike for the weekend allows the most freedom, but if you want to get around using local transportation, take the blue songthaews for 20-30 baht 50 cents- $1) per person.
WAKE UP. We’re in Chiang Rai! Let’s find a place to stay…
The bus station in Chiang Rai is located in the heart of the city center. You can find plenty of accommodation options at reasonable prices, whether you seek a dorm, guesthouse or hotel room. Here are my top recommendations:
Friends House Chook Dee: This is my ultimate hostel recommendation, conveniently located in the city center, just a 10 minute walk to the bus station. Chook Dee isn’t your typical Thailand hostel. The crew that runs the place have made it into a chill hangout where friends- whether local Thai regulars, expat regulars or backpackers gather to relax, drink and kick it. There are dorm and private rooms available.
Chian House: It’s tricky to find this teak wood Lanna style abode-turned-guesthouse, because it’s tucked away in a Thai neighborhood. There are soi dogs roaming the street, children playing, neighbors gossiping outside their homes and stores or they’re enjoying beers while watching football on TV. Chian has a quirky pack of guests- some are long term travelers, expats or weekenders. Nevertheless, everyone is family! They offer some tasty Thai and western fare enjoyed community style in the evening, a swimming pool and private rooms and bungalows.
I’m hungry, let’s eat
The dining options in Chiang Rai are diverse and delicious. Coconuts Bar may look like just a…well, bar…but you’d never guess that their curries are out of this world. The Panang curry is the best I’ve savored thus far, or any of the indian curries for that matter.
For both Thai and western dishes, especially brunch, Chivit Thamma Da is a MUST. Dress cute and bring your camera because the setting is like something out of a fairy tale. Sit outside the rustic, shabby chic style farmhouse along the tranquil Kok River and dig into their smoked salmon benedict on crispy potato pancakes. For dinner, get lost in the aromatic flavors of the North Thai pork curry and don’t forget to indulge in a creamy slice of homemade lemon cheesecake.
If you want some super tasty, cheap local Thai food then you need to visit this family run establishment. The khao man gai (chicken and rice) and tom yum soup are superb, all for around 40 baht ($2) a dish.
It’s Friday night, time to dance
Chiang Rai nightlife isn’t overrun by backpackers, elephant pants and face paint. On Jetyod Road, there is a string of bars with a mix of expats and locals. Peace House is a favorite for live music on Friday nights, where talented reggae band Croissant fills the air with the sweet sounds of Pink Floyd and Bob Marley. Peace House is as laid back as it gets, with a beautiful sitting garden for guests to enjoy drinks and socialize.
Let’s get out and explore
Chiang Rai is best known for the White Temple and Black House. Nationally recognized Thai artists showcase their eclectic architectural styles with earthbound renditions of heaven and hell.
If sightseeing isn’t your jam, nature reigns supreme on the city outskirts. Drive a motorbike into the mountains past rice paddies and trek through misty jungle to cleanse yourself in one of many gushing waterfalls. In Mae Salong the sprawling tea plantations offer breathtaking panoramic shots and just a couple of hours away, climb up into the heavens, where the village Phu Chi Fa sits far from the rest of the word. Wake early and witness a stunning sunrise from above the clouds.
Or, we can do some shopping
Saturday walking street in Chiang Rai isn’t a night market filled with cheap knock offs and Chang tank tops. The market is a weekend pastime enjoyed by the Thai community and visitors alike. City center streets are blocked off every Saturday evening and it seems like everyone in Chiang Rai is there. A Thai band plays traditional music (not 90s English covers) while Thais old and young enjoy dancing around the stage.
You’ll find one-of-a-kind arts and crafts for sale that you won’t see in other markets, and Chiang Rai is a thrifters paradise for trendy second hand clothing at cheap prices. I bought a dope pair of overalls for only 100 baht ($3)! The food vendors are plentiful, offering every Thai delicacy imaginable. Try the spicy som tum (papaya salad), North Thailand sausage and the small pancakes stuffed with tasty fillings such as Thai custard and fruit.
Want to learn more about my travels through Southeast Asia? Visit her travel blog: A Great Perhaps
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