In Mon State, the young people can now easily buy drugs including Kratom leaves anytime and anywhere. Nai Choon, a researcher with the Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM), likens the situation, particularly for young people, to have become like a tradition.
As more young students are using drugs, there has been an increase in middle school students dropping out. Nai Choon warns of the national implications as more young people lose out on an education.
“Our research group sees that more young people are using drugs because they can go and buy it anywhere, like betel nuts. Young people are also exposed to other drugs (including kratom) when our Mon people celebrate especially at festivals, events recognizing charitable donations and at weddings. It has gradually reached the stage of becoming a tradition,” noted Nai Choon.
Nai Aung Marn, the Administrator of Hnit Badaw in Mudon Township, agrees that Mon young people are increasingly using drugs in Mon villages. He argues that one of the ways to reduce drug trafficking is to work with the town administration and make arrests.
” Now young people started using drugs with their friends in the novitiation ceremony and at wedding houses, so these are gradually becoming more and more traditional. I don’t think it should happen among young people. To reduce the use of drugs in such festivals in the village, we should cooperate with the local police and tour around the village,” added Nai Aung Marn.
In 2013, the Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM) began researching and reporting on drug related activities. The aim of this project is to reduce drug use by visiting youth and parents, and by providing drug abuse awareness training and collecting data. Based on this initiative a research report has been sent to civil society organizations, governmental departments and a submission was made to the Hluttaw representative in Nay Pyi Taw.
Similar efforts have also been carried out in Mawlamyine by civil society organizations such as the Mon Youth Progressive Organization and the Mon Area Community Development Organization.
