FREE SYRIAN SERIES, DAY 7 – 9
LEBANON – BANGKOK – CHAING RAI – LAOS
Human Trafficking in Laos Vegas. Every time I leave south East Asia, I look for an excuse to return, and since hearing about the Special Economic Zone (SEZ), I knew this was the perfect opportunity.
DID I JUST MEET SOMEONE WHO WAS GETTING TRAFFICKED?
The trip to get there wasn’t easy, 3 flights, a daft layover and some of the worst sickness I’ve had during a travel day. Although nothing beats that day in Rio.
WHERE IS THE SEZ?
SEZ
THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE
I have been to this part of Thailand before but not as far north as the border between Laos and Myanmar, an infamous area known as the Golden Triangle. The issues this area has been well documented and it offers a perfect recipe for the manufacture, supply and trade of many different drugs.
Human Trafficking in Laos Vegas
THE LOGISTICS
Myanmar is the factory, with lawless borderlands run by militias mass-producing heroin and meth. Laos is the smuggling hub, with porous borders and corrupt officials allowing easy transport. Thailand is the global distribution point, with high demand, cartel networks, and major ports for export. China supplies precursor chemicals, Myanmar cooks the drugs, Laos moves them, and Thailand sells them. Weak enforcement, corruption, and geography make this one of the world’s biggest narco-economies, fuelling addiction from Bangkok to Sydney and beyond.
Human Trafficking in Laos Vegas
CROSSING THE BORDER INTO…
Few times have I been this confused about which country I am crossing into but going into an area that is effectively out of the control of the Laotian government, leased by a certain Chinese mafia boss who also has strong ties with Myanmar makes things a little confusing…
What was most shocking were the signs before you even leave Thailand. Warning of the implications and risks of human trafficking. However I didn’t expect to be in the boat with an Indian man who was clearly here on false pretenses. But it wasn’t until I seen how his fixer, who met him on the border, treated him that I knew something was up. Had I known before I maybe would have asked a few questions.
Human Trafficking in Laos Vegas
FLAG….
- Red stripes (top and bottom): Symbolize the bloodshed of those who fought for the country’s independence and national sovereignty.
- Blue stripe (middle): Represents the Mekong River, which is essential to Laos, and also signifies prosperity and the country’s potential.
- White circle (center): Has multiple interpretations:
1. Represents the full moon over the Mekong River.
2. Symbolizes unity among the Lao people.
3. Stands for a bright future for the nation.
THIS IS NOT LAOS
From getting off the boat the place I was in seemed a million miles from the Laos I know. The arrival at the modern terminal, the quality of the roads and infrastructure and even the type of cars from this point on all appeared strictly Chinese. Even coming into the “city” all the buildings more suited to a theme park, well beyond what we would call tacky. Then we arrived at the hotel…
Human Trafficking in Laos Vegas
RELATED READ: LAOS’ MOST DANGEROUS ACTIVITY
ABOUT SEZ:
- Many SEZs in Laos, like the Golden Triangle SEZ, are practically run by Chinese investors, with Chinese currency, Chinese law enforcement, and even restrictions on local Laotians entering. It’s like a mini-China inside Laos.
- SEZs like Boten and the Golden Triangle have gained notoriety for money laundering, human trafficking, and illegal gambling, often operating outside Laos’ direct jurisdiction. Some have been compared to mafia-run territories.
- Laos has granted huge land concessions to foreign investors (mostly China) in SEZs to boost its economy, but critics argue this is just another form of economic colonization, locking Laos into long-term dependency and debt.
LAOS VEGAS
The hotel, inside and out is incredibly opulent with lots of bright lights and golden interior, making it a good fit on the Las Vegas Strip. I took a deluxe room which was around 800 Thai Bhat, they don’t even take Laos money!! Another thing I found slightly strange was they wouldn’t not allow me in with my camera or laptop, something I found to be a little unsettling.
DISNEY
The zone is far from finished, there are major construction works going on involving huge apartment blocks and countless gimmick buildings which look very creative but not entirely sure on their purpose. Apart from gambling I’m not sure what this place actually offers.
CRACK DOWN
It is believed this was a hotspot for scam call centers until the Chinese and Laotian government were given no option but to crack down on it.
This was mainly due to its lax regulations, tax incentives, and limited government oversight, making it an attractive base for organized crime. The region’s weak law enforcement allowed human trafficking and forced labor to flourish, with thousands of workers—many lured by fake job offers—trapped in compounds, forced to run online scams targeting victims worldwide. Despite increasing international pressure, crackdowns have in-fact been slow, as corruption and economic dependencies complicate enforcement efforts.
SCAM CENTER
After watching a few documentaries, I caught wind of a building that a girl was trapped in to making these calls. Even trying to take the quickest photo imaginable I was told to stop – I wasn’t even on the same side of the road.
CHINESE INFLUENCE
There is no doubt this place has a strange feeling about it, but it feels more Chinese than anything else. From the shops, restaurants and even the car registrations. Everything has been brought over from China. Even if the man in charge has been sanctioned by China, he knows the workers and customers he is trying to attract.
Pretty much all of the white-collar jobs are taken by Chinese workers with all blue collar and manual jobs being taken by people from Myanmar. It seems like Laos has very little to do with this.
TODAY’S YOUTUBE VIDEOS
If you want to see today from a different perspective, and catch a few different stories from the front row, then check out today’s YouTube videos below.
FINAL THOUGHTS
After a walk around the town last night and enjoying a quiet beer at the market, which was virtually empty, I felt it was time to collect my camera and laptop and get out of here. It might have been an effort to get here but was worth the trek to be able to experience one of these controversial economic zones.
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
172/229
NEXT UP
Bangladesh for more chaos and without doubt the worst story I have ever heard!! Click to read.
This post is part of the Free Syrian Series, for the entire series click here or for episode 1, click here.
To see a different side of my trip head to my social channels; YouTube, Instagram & TikTok. Links at top of the page.
Question Time
- What do you think is the ideal behind this SEZ?
- Would you like to visit here.
Let me know in the comments below . . .
