Merchants of Madness

The Golden Triangle, notorious for opium and heroin production, saw a shift in the 1990s as drug gangs began manufacturing methamphetamine, known in Thailand as ya ba or "madness medicine." This synthetic narcotic, independent of crop reliance, causes hyperactivity and aggression in users, contributing to a surge in violent crimes, including murders and kidnappings. The book delves into the devastating impact of this drug on individuals and communities, highlighting the broader social and psychological consequences of its proliferation in Southeast Asia.