A nation fuelled by drugs, scams and vice


Myanmar’s shadow economy thrives on lawlessness and despair. — ©2025 The New York Times Company

THE flower fields of Myanmar’s Shan state appear to paint a serene landscape, stretching from mountain villages along winding roads in a fluttering patchwork of white, pink and purple.

But these blossoms are no peaceful retreat from conflict.

Get 30% off with our ads free Premium Plan!

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month
RM9.73 only

Billed as RM9.73 for the 1st month then RM13.90 thereafters.

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month
RM8.63/month

Billed as RM103.60 for the 1st year then RM148 thereafters.

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Focus

Haiti’s lost generation
Exiled, then executed
Trump digs in as world goes green
A broken homecoming
Chablis faces a warming world
Trump’s global ripple effect
Ending an eight-decade wait
Musk’s Lost Boys and Trump’s Mean Girls
America First or America Alone?
Editorial: Eggs-pensive groceries in the USA

Others Also Read