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Myanmar to open former drug king's base to tourists

 .c Kyodo News Service  

  
BANGKOK, Dec. 15 (Kyodo) - A former stronghold in Myanmar of drug king Khun 
Sa near the Thai border is being prepared as a tourist attraction, a local 
Thai official said Wednesday. 

Myanmar authorities are developing the infrastructure in Ho Mong, the last 
stronghold of Khun Sa, and will open the base to foreign visitors by January, 
the official in the northern province of Maehongson told Kyodo News. 

Khun Sa occupied Ho Mong from 1982 to 1996 before surrendering to the ruling 
junta in Yangon. 

Myanmar authorities are now reportedly rebuilding and renovating several 
former military camps, hospitals and heroin refineries, which used to be run 
by Khun Sa's Mong Tai army, as tourist attractions. 

The junta has also reportedly deployed more troops to protect Ho Mong from 
possible attacks by rebel minorities, including Shan State Army, a former 
faction under Khun Sa. 

The Shan State Army, based 40 kilometers north of Ho Mong, wants to recapture 
its former stronghold.