Methamphetamine had a long history before it became illegal in 1970 by the Controlled Substance Act. Before this law, methamphetamine was used in World War II to help keep soldiers awake. It was also an ingredient in a number of seemingly random things, such as cough syrup. And while its original intent was to help keep people alert, it was also used as a weight loss supplement.
Yaba is the most popularly used and distributed drug in the Kingdom,
regardless of the harsh punishments that coincide with those who are caught with it. Yaba is a category one drug, the worst type of drug there is in Thailand, and those who use it face up to 20 years in prison or have to pay a very hefty fine. Those who are in possession of more than 20 grams of yaba face lifetime prison sentences and even the death penalty if caught, as in the eyes of the law, that person most likely has the intent to sell the drugs.
Where did methamphetamine come from?
Though Thailand is one of the largest distributors of yaba, Myanmar is one of the biggest producers of it. The war on drugs has been a long and complicated one for Thailand’s northwestern neighbor. Though it remains popular mainly in Southeast Asia, the drug, in some instances, has made its way to the United States.
methamphetamine today
Chiang Rai, an otherwise quiet and sleepy city in northern Thailand, had its fair share of chaos in April 2017. Mae Chan, a district in the city, was the location of an enormous Thai police intercepted one million yaba pills that were believed to be on their way to Malaysia. The men responsible could face either a life sentence in prison or the death penalty if convicted of the crime. In the same month,
