21 January 1982

Drug lord Khun Sa ousted

Thai forces launched their largest operation to date against drug lord Khun Sa, after intelligence reported a sighting of his 200-mule opium caravan near the Thai-Burma (Myanmar) border.

Several thousand army, police and ranger forces, supported by planes and helicopters, attacked the opium warlord’s stronghold at Ban Hin Taek and battled his Shan United Army (SUA). At least 1,000 reinforcements were called in on both sides as fierce fighting flared for two weeks.

After Thai and SUA officers met in early February to discuss a truce proposal put forward by Khun Sa, Prime Minister Prem Tinsulanond stated: ‘A criminal like Khun Sa, who deals with narcotics trafficking, faces only execution.’

It was estimated that Khun Sa produced 70% of the region’s heroin. Thai troops demolished the drug lord’s extensive headquarters and seized large amounts of weapons and equipment as casualties mounted on both sides.

In October, 1,500 Thai troops struck Khun Sa’s new base on Doi Lang after surveillance revealed he had constructed 200 buildings and continued to cross into Thailand.

21 January 1982

Drug lord Khun Sa ousted

Thai forces launched their largest operation to date against drug lord Khun Sa, after intelligence reported a sighting of his 200-mule opium caravan near the Thai-Burma (Myanmar) border.

Several thousand army, police and ranger forces, supported by planes and helicopters, attacked the opium warlord’s stronghold at Ban Hin Taek and battled his Shan United Army (SUA). At least 1,000 reinforcements were called in on both sides as fierce fighting flared for two weeks.

After Thai and SUA officers met in early February to discuss a truce proposal put forward by Khun Sa, Prime Minister Prem Tinsulanond stated: ‘A criminal like Khun Sa, who deals with narcotics trafficking, faces only execution.’

It was estimated that Khun Sa produced 70% of the region’s heroin. Thai troops demolished the drug lord’s extensive headquarters and seized large amounts of weapons and equipment as casualties mounted on both sides.

In October, 1,500 Thai troops struck Khun Sa’s new base on Doi Lang after surveillance revealed he had constructed 200 buildings and continued to cross into Thailand.