The area where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar (Burma) and Laos meet is well known as the "Golden Triangle," acknowledging the large, illegal drug production in this area. In past years the Thai government has begun to police this problem. Nowadays, there are no more poppies on the Thai side; but on the Burmese and Laotian sides opium growing and amphetamine production continue. The poor farmers are easily motivated to grow poppies, because this guarantees them the bare necessities of life.

Previously most of the opium was exported in its raw form. Later opium was processed to heroin as the drug trade became more sophisticated. And the dynamics of drug use changed dramatically along with increased heroin production and newly opened, easily crossed borders. In recent years, drugs like amphetamines and methamphetamines have glutted the local markets, because these drugs are simple and cheap to produce and can be extracted from ephedra, which grows wild in these parts.

Most of our children belong to minor ethnic groups, such as the Akha. They left their villages because of the bad economic situation, or their parents are dead or drug addicted and are not able to take care of them anymore.

The illegal drug trade and abuse in this area causes suffering, especially for children. Many lost their parents and are without protection and support. Some are used to smuggle drugs or to do other extremely dangerous jobs. Others try to earn money as drug couriers, beggars or prostitutes.