Khun Sa, the Drug Kingpin dies
The notorious former opium kingpin Khun 
Sa died in Rangoon last Friday at the age of 74, confirmed by his close aide yesterday. During his glory days, he run a life of luxury in a secluded compound for years. After surrendered to the Burmese government in January 1996, he suffered from heart disease, diabetes, partial paralysis and high blood pressure. It said that his body was cremated yesterday morning by his relative before casting his ashes into Namkhung.
Khunsa was born in Burma's Shan State on February 17, 1934. He, known by the Chinese name Chang Shi-fu, served in many insurgent groups along the Thai –Tai (Shan) boundary. He also got other names:Tun Hsa, Zhang Qifu in Shan, Jand Jangtrakul in Thai and U Htet Aung in Burmese.
His place of birth is Hpa Hpeung village, Loimaw Ward, Tangyan township (formerly Mongyai state), Lashio district, Northern Shan State. His parents was Khun Ai (Zhang Bingyao) and Nang Hseng Zoom. He married to Nang Kayyun (died 1993) and got 8 Children:
- Nang Long (Khajit)
- Zarm Merng (Phajon)
- Zarm Herng (Phathai)
- Nang Kang (Khanittha)
- Zarm Zeun (Phairote)
- Zarm Myat (Phaisarn)
- Nang Lek (n.a.)
- Zarm Mya (Pitak)
During his peak days, he got a house in Bangkok: 8 Soi Pattananivet 5 Sukhumvit 71
His father died when he was 4 years old (in 1937). His mother remarried to Khun Ji, Chief of Mongtawm and 1939 passed away. After he lost his parents, Khun Sa went to live with paternal grandfather Khun Yihsai (Zhang Chunwu), Chief of Loimaw. He was brought up by his grandfather till he knew how to maintain his life amid the dangerous situation.
In 1960 (about 6 January), Col Maung Shwe, Commander, Eastern Region Commander, offered him to set up a pro-Burma Army militia and in 1964(17 May) All 100 and 50 kyat banknotes demonetized without Compensation. He took the chance of taking up (15 June) armed struggle under the leadership of Bo Deving, a hero of Tangyan battle (1959). He got in Ban Hintaek, Chiangrai province. After sometime, he broke up with Bo Deving and took joining the newly-formed Shan State Army (SSA). He later decided to return to the Burma Army fold.
In 1967 he entered “Opium War” against ex-KMT remnants in the Golden Triangle and he lost opium caravan to Gen Ouane Rattikone, Laotian army commander. Afterward, he claimed to get it back from Ouane afterwards. In 1969 (20 October), he was in Burmese Custody and then, sent to Mandalay prison. His troops, led by his Manchurian chief of staff Zhang Xuchuan (Falang), led Shanland United Army (SUA) and returned to the armed movement.
In 1973 (16 April), a trusted aide Charlie Yang abducted Two Russian doctors working in Taunggyi Hospital as hostage inexchange for Khun Sa’s release. In1974 (7 September) Khunsa was released from Prison. However, he was kept under “protection” of the Military Intelligence Service (MIS) in Mandalay till 7 Feb, 1976. He then escaped to Shan State and fled to Ban Hintek.
1977 (16 April) he met Joseph Nellis, aide to Congressman Lester Wolff, then Chairman of the US House Select Committee on Narcotics, to present “Six Year Plan” to eradicate opium production. But later (18 July), his (proposal rejected by the Carter administration.
21st January, 1982, his force in Ban Hintaek attacked by the Thai Border Patrol Police (BPP) “hired by the DEA”. He later, occupies Doilang, opposite Chiang mai’s Mae Ai district. After random movement along the Thai Border for three years, in 1985, he led his troop join generals Gawnzerng and Zarm Mai to form a new Shan State Army (SSA), which later becomes Mong Tai Army (MTA). He was elected as Vice President of the newly formed Tai Revolutionary Council (later Shan State Restoration Council). As soon as merged his troop with SURA he established HQ in Homong, opposite Maehongson. In 1991 he then was elected President of the Shan State Restoration Council (SSRC) following Gawnzerng’s death (11 July). In 1993 (12 December), he, with the people mandate, declared Independence and established Government.
In 1994, he led his Forces moving up to Sino-Burma border, but attacked and dispersed by Burma Army. 1995(6 June), Col Gunyawd, took the mutiny and broke away to set up Shan State National Army (SSNA). During that time Wa troops and Burma Army attacked his troop. Thai also blocked all the humanitarian aid access to his people. Seeing his troops weakening day by day, some defected to SSNA while fleeing to Thailand and others deserted and back home, he then, in 1996 (7 January) surrendered to Burma Army and moves to Rangoon to live under protection at MI base Ye Kyi Aing. He was under protection till his last breath.
During his time in Burma Army custody, he got permission to operate a transport company and a ruby mine, along with other businesses. Some said he still involved in the narcotics trade though under Burma protection.
Sao Khuensai Jaiyen, a former close aide to Khunsa, (at present, acting Shan Editor and SUD general Secretary) also published big news about drug kingpin to public in detail.
