It is thought that opium originated in the Mediterranean area and was introduced to the east by traders around 800AD. Thailand was introduced to the poppy in the 19th century by migrating tribes from Yunnan in China where cultivation of the poppy had been encouraged to curtail British control.

Although officially disapproved of, the Thai Royal family made extensive profits from opium production, however, in 1959, growing was made illegal. Unfortunately the impending Vietnam War resulted in a ready market and in 1967, Thailand was producing 145 tons a year.

Further efforts to stop opium production resulted in the cash crop substitution programme and by 1995, production was down to 17 tons. Unfortunately, addicts were forced on to heroin and ultimately in many cases, to HIV and AIDS. Further confounding the efforts of the authorities, who destroy many poppy fields each year is that new strains of the poppy have permitted extra annual crops. The 1959 law covers all narcotics and the penalties are very severe.

The Hmong, Yao, Lahu and the Lisu are the main cultivators. The poppy prefers altitudes above 850 metres near limestone ridges. The growing season begins in March when the fields are cleared and burned and a crop like corn is planted. Poppies are planted in September and vegetables planted with them to hide the poppy plants and add minerals to the soil.

In January the vegetables are harvested and the poppies flower. WHen the petals drop off, the pods are slit and the resin scraped off the next day. Although the opium has long been used by the hill tribes for medicinal purposes, addiction is a chronic problem.

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