What in the World How yaba swept across East Asia
Oct 9, 2025
The podcast dives into the alarming rise of yaba, a potent mix of methamphetamine and caffeine, sweeping through East Asia, particularly Thailand. It reveals the staggering statistic of over 1.6 million Thais struggling with addiction. The discussion highlights how the Golden Triangle has shifted from opium to synthetic drug production, detailing the roles of armed groups and local tablet makers. Thai authorities face daunting challenges, with over a billion yaba tablets seized in 2024. Interestingly, detox methods at Buddhist monasteries provide unique community support for recovery.
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Cheap Stimulant Fuels Mass Addiction
- Yaba is a cheap mix of methamphetamine and caffeine that boosts stamina and has driven widespread use among laborers and drivers in Thailand.
- Its low cost and accessibility contribute to high addiction rates, with the UNODC estimating 1.6 million Thai users.
Severe Short And Long-Term Harms
- Yaba causes immediate harms like rapid heartbeat and dangerous temperature rise and long-term harms like tooth decay and mental health problems.
- Overdose can be fatal and chronic use leads to paranoia, anxiety and severe physical deterioration.
Golden Triangle Now Synthetic Hub
- The Golden Triangle (Thailand, Myanmar, Laos) shifted from opium to synthetic drug production and is now the world's most active synthetic drug zone.
- UNODC identifies eastern Shan State in Myanmar as the current main production area for meth/Yaba.