Problem Statement

Of all the problems faced by the world today, highland development and the production of drug crops may be the most serious. Highland regions in developing countries are among the poorest in the world. With few exceptions, these socially, physically, and economically marginal regions endure poverty and suffering. Thus, they are the center of drug crop production, like opium poppies. As we all know, the production of drug crops is a phenomenon that is problematic in many respects: where they are produced, they damage environments, weaken societies, strengthen criminals, and can create warlords whose power rivals that of nation-states; in the regions through which they pass, they leave a trail of addiction and create channels for other crimes such as human trafficking; in the countries where they are consumed, they destroy the lives of users, fill prisons, and turn the streets into battlegrounds. These problems also occurred in the highland areas of Thailand. Opium production was the Hill Tribe’s main cash crop for many years before starting the highland development programs.

Thailand, led and inspired by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and his Royal Project, has now presided over a decline in annual opium production from over 200 tons to below 2 tons. It has been a multi-faceted effort, involving the work of hundreds of agencies, both Thai and international, and dozens of development projects. But none of these projects has been more successful than His Majesty the King’s own Royal Project, a project that the Highland Research and Development Institute (HRDI) is continuing and supporting. The achievements go beyond anything expected. It has introduced health services, social development, and universal schooling and is closely cooperating with Hill Tribes. HRDI and many other development agencies working on the opium reduction campaign in Thailand have a lot of knowledge and skills that can help fight both highland poverty and drug-crop production.