Hong Kong Island: From a small stall to a global supplier

Siam, Bangkok.

Wang Yaotang's connections in Siam were all concentrated in Bangkok, mainly with Bangkok Mayor Kanchanaburi and Police Chief Pirat Thasin. He had no connections at the higher levels of the Prime Minister's Office, and the invitation came from the Prime Minister's Secretary's office, which puzzled him.

Upon arriving in Bangkok, Wang Yaotang first met with Pira Thaksin the next day to learn about the situation there.

“I don’t know everything about this matter, but it seems to be related to my hometown. In February, colleagues from my hometown visited Siam for the first time and reached an agreement on drug control cooperation. They are also about to submit the ‘Southeast Asia Drug Control Strategy’ to the United Nations to provide a new framework for regional drug control cooperation.” Pira Thasin said in a deep voice, “Master Yao, your identity is special, so I think it might be because of this.”

Wang Yaotang pondered for a moment, "What is Siam's overall anti-drug strategy at present?"

"In 82, the military attacked Zhang Qifu's headquarters in Wan Hind, northern Thailand. However, the military strikes have not been very effective over the years. Later, an alternative planting program was launched, and the domestic planting area has been reduced from about 9000 hectares in the early 80s to less than 1000 hectares now. The effect is remarkable. Currently, the main planting areas are in Myanmar and Laos, so the headquarters is still preparing to continue this program."

"First, it's cheaper, and second, it's more effective. People die in war."

"So, it seems that Siam isn't very enthusiastic about the anti-drug cooperation proposed by their homeland, feeling it's a thankless task." Wang Yaotang roughly understood why they were looking for him.

Whether his hometown acknowledges it or not, his label in Southeast Asia is "pawn" and "professional substitute." The Siamese police are unable to launch operations in drug-controlled areas, and the military also feels that going to war would be a losing proposition, so they thought of him.

By paying a sum of money to hire a professional "proxy player," the hometown can't say that Siam isn't proactive, and it also saves Siam some trouble.

In this kind of piecemeal warfare, the cost for a nation to take action is far higher than that for mercenaries.

What's the current situation in the Golden Triangle?

Pira Thasin looked at Wang Yaotang with some surprise, thinking to himself, "You should know this better than I do."

"What kind of look is that? It's just a business transaction. These transactions are all managed by the people below. How would I know the situation over there?" Wang Yaotang said irritably.

Pira Thasin coughed lightly to cover his embarrassment, “Last year, the Golden Triangle opium production reached its peak, exceeding 3000 tons, accounting for 85% of the global production. The No. 4 opium production was 250 tons, of which Zhang Qifu handled more than 60% of it.”

“Zhang Qifu’s territory is mainly concentrated in the border area between Shan State and Siam. However, in recent years, due to the rise of Luo Xinghan and Peng Jiasheng, he lost his original territories in Muse, Namkham, Langhan, and Mengsa. Moreover, the output in the areas controlled by Luo and Peng has decreased significantly. This part of the planting has been replaced by Zhang Qifu, mainly in the mountainous areas in southern Mengsa.”

“In the past two years, Zhang Qifu has established the ‘Shan State Parliament’ and proclaimed himself king. His army has been renamed the ‘Montai Army’, which is said to have a strength of about 2.5. Recently, the Burmese workers have started fighting with Zhang Qifu.” After saying this, Pila Thasin glanced at Wang Yaotang again.

Wang Yaotang raised an eyebrow. "The Burmese workers and Zhang Qifu are fighting?"

He really doesn't know.

Of course, the Burmese workers wouldn't report it to him, but the people below didn't mention it either.

Isn't this a big deal?

"Does the Prime Minister's Office think that I instigated the conflict between the Burmese workers and Zhang Qifu?"

Pira Thaksin nodded.

"What does this have to do with me? I'm not the boss of the Burmese labor movement!"

Pira Thasin chuckled awkwardly and remained silent. If you say it's not, then it's not. What's the rush?

Wang Yaotang: "..."

Wang Yaotang had roughly figured out the Prime Minister's Office's thinking: a visit to his hometown, cooperation in drug control, and then the New Myanmar Workers' Union started fighting with Zhang Qifu. If it were him, he would also have thought that he was behind it.

"Fine, whatever you want." Wang Yaotang didn't want to argue anymore.

That evening, Wang Yaotang applied for a flight route, and his private plane arrived in Jingdong two hours later.

Siamese police: You still say it has nothing to do with you!

……

Jingdong, airport.

Luo Xinghan, Bao Youxiang, Zhao Laini and other leaders of the new Burmese workers personally greeted them at the airport. After exchanging pleasantries, Wang Yaotang even invited them to take a tour on his private plane.

This is the first time a private jet has flown here. The old airport was too dilapidated, and private jets are too delicate to land.

At the dinner, Luo Xinghan brought up his conflict with Zhang Qifu.

The New Burma Workers' Party (NBM) was established. Under pressure, the Sumatra military government signed a ceasefire agreement with the NBM. The NBM controls Northern Shan State and Eastern Shan State, and has an independent military, administrative and economic system. It uses RMB internally, and each ethnic group has its own language. It is not good to have one language as the main language, so Chinese has been added as an official language for the purpose of communication.

All the senior executives of the four regions have received long-term training in the country and are fluent in Chinese.

As a result, only the southern Shan State remains under the control of the military government.

This negotiation can be considered a great victory for the New Myanmar Workers, but now looking at the map, the 'Zhang Qifu' forces appear quite out of place.

Zhang Qifu's Mong-Thai army controlled most of East Shan State, especially the Shan-Thai border region, which greatly restricted foreign trade and transportation with Siam, creating a feeling of unease.

“On the other hand, Zhang Qifu’s development path is still the same old ‘drug gun’, which goes against our development path. Moreover, he refuses to change and is a complete cancer. More importantly, his existence makes the whole world think that Shan State is a drug trafficking area, which has caused great damage to the reputation of our New Myanmar Workers. We had no choice but to decide to get rid of him,” Bao Youxiang explained.

Wang Yaotang chuckled and said, "Others may not know, but I know exactly what you relied on to get started."

I bet Zhang Qifu is cursing right now, cursing you for turning your backs on us!
Of course, Wang Yaotang supports the approach of the new Myanmar workers.

“It’s good to have a fight. With the establishment of the New Burma Workers’ Union, it’s true that there should be someone to raise the flag and make their voice heard throughout Southeast Asia, proving that the New Burma Workers’ Union is a legitimate government and not some ‘drug-ridden’ alliance. This is very important. Zhang Qifu should indeed be eliminated. I gave him a heads-up when I first sold you arms a few years ago. Since then, you and Peng Jiasheng have been actively seeking change. On the contrary, Zhang Qifu, who is the most powerful, has never contacted me again. Hehe, I’m the one who’s worried about him.” Wang Yaotang said with a smile.

Luo Xinghan, Bao Youxiang, and the others exchanged glances. Sure enough, they had discussed this matter before. Zhang Qifu's departure from the organization meant he would definitely not receive Wang Yaotang's support, giving them the advantage in a fight!
“Wang Sheng, you’ve hit the nail on the head.” Bao Youxiang nodded emphatically. “The so-called legitimate business is based on drug trafficking, which is fundamentally flawed. No matter what, the outside world will never acknowledge our existence.”

"We also hope to get Wang Sheng's help for this operation," Luo Xinghan added.

"How can I help you?" Wang Yaotang asked.

"We hope that Wang Sheng can persuade the Siamese government to send troops against Zhang Qifu."

“Siam’s policy is alternative crop cultivation, so sending troops is impossible,” Wang Yaotang waved his hand.

"This... what a great opportunity! If we attack from both sides, we can definitely wipe out Zhang Qifu's forces in one fell swoop!" Luo Xinghan said with a regretful expression. "Hehe, I can act as a go-between for you to negotiate. The outcome is up to you," Wang Yaotang said after his eyes flickered a few times.

If Siam wants to hire protectors to combat drug traffickers in the border region, then why not go a step further...?

If Zhang Qifu's forces can be wiped out in one fell swoop, the New Myanmar Workers can certainly make their voices heard to the surrounding forces, and the Protectorate can do the same!
Umbrella Corporation has already proven its combat capabilities at sea; if it were to add an army...

"Great! We knew Wang Sheng would have a way. Hahaha, let's toast Wang Sheng!" Luo Xinghan and the others raised their glasses in unison.

I stayed in Kengtung for three days and got a real understanding of the troop deployment situation of the New Myanmar Workers.

Zhang Qifu's control area was divided into two parts: the eastern part was the southern part of Tachileik, which was close to the Siamese border, and the northern part was the area of ​​Muse and Namkham, which were close to Ruili.

Therefore, this battle was divided into two sides: Peng Jiasheng and Ding Ying attacked Muse and Namkham in northern Shan State.

Bao Youxiang, Lin Mingxian, and Luo Xinghan attacked East Shan State, which is Zhang Qifu's main controlled area. The three sides mobilized more than 4000 people this time, which is far less than the 2.5 troops of the Mong Tai Army. However, their actual combat effectiveness is another matter.

Luo Xinghan's men were trained with the help of Chen Yuanchao. After two rounds of selection and two major battles with the military government, their overall quality has been greatly improved. Bao Youxiang and Lin Mingxian had already received training in their hometown. The main difference was in equipment and morale.

Under the "poison gun" policy, where is the ideal of fighting for what? In terms of morale, they are no different from bandits, and naturally they have little fighting power.

But now that the new Myanmar Workers' Union has been established, the four parties have joined forces, and they have publicly announced a change of direction. Their morale is at its peak, and their combat effectiveness has been greatly enhanced. In addition, they have purchased a large number of weapons and equipment from Wang Yao and Xinghui, which has further boosted their combat effectiveness.

In contrast, Zhang Qifu, a drug addict, failed to write a list of ten victories and ten defeats, which reflects a lack of cultural literacy.

If Wang Yaotang follows him onto the field, there will be no chance of failure!
Of course, Zhang Qifu thought the same way: 2.5 vs. 4000, the advantage is in my hands!
Three days later, the private plane landed at Bangkok Airport, and Wang Yaotang, along with Luo Xinghan and Bao Youxiang, got off the plane.

……

In Bangkok, at the Prime Minister's Office, Chatchai Chunhavan personally greeted them at the entrance.

After shaking hands, exchanging greetings, taking photos, and giving a brief interview, I finally entered the office building.

Photos and videos may not necessarily make the news; they are more for backup purposes. Subsequent reports will only be made after the deal is finalized.

In the reception room, guests and hosts took their seats separately.

Chatchai Chunhavan praised Wang Yaotang for his many years of investment in Siam, expressing his gratitude for the vitality he has injected into the Siamese economy and his contributions to taxation.

Wang Yaotang praised Siam's openness and inclusiveness, as well as the government's friendliness towards foreign investment. He expressed his intention to continue increasing investment in Siam and to deepen cooperation in areas such as real estate and tourism development, port construction, telecommunications, electricity, and agriculture.

It wasn't exactly rambling; Wang Yaotang was indeed planning to increase investment. The political situation in Siam was indeed unstable, but he had enough strength to ensure that the political turmoil wouldn't affect him. So, all that was left was to enjoy the benefits of development.

Even if the financial crisis hits seven years later, my investments will be either related to people's livelihoods or to the future development priorities of Siam, so they will not be affected.

Besides, financing will definitely be needed in Siam during the investment and construction period. As long as the loan is locked in Thai baht, what difference is there between that and getting money for free after the financial crisis?

Wang Yaotang spoke about investment with substance, clearly not just empty talk, but something he had planned. This surprised and delighted Chatchai Chunhawang, and they talked about it for about two hours, causing the meeting to go beyond the planned time and forcing the postponement of some subsequent activities.

After discussing the 'surprise,' Chatchai Chunhawang then revealed the purpose of inviting Wang Yaotang: border anti-drug operations. To strengthen cooperation between Thailand and China, and considering that the Umbrella Corporation had a good understanding of 'drug criminals,' Siam hoped to hire the Umbrella Corporation to combat drug criminals in the border region.

Wang Yaotang: What do you mean I have a good understanding of drug dealers?

“The Umbrella Corporation is willing to contribute to the global fight against drugs,” Wang Yaotang readily agreed. “I wonder if Prime Minister Chatchai is familiar with the New Myanmar Workers?”

“I know a little about the new Burmese industry, but not comprehensively.” Chatchai Chunhawang nodded with a smile. “Mr. Wang means…”

"The New Myanmar Workers Association hopes to cooperate with Siam on the complete eradication of the drug trafficking gang led by Zhang Qifu in Shan State. Luo Xinghan and Bao Youxiang have already arrived in Bangkok."

“Destroy Zhang Qifu…” Chachai Chunhawang looked at Wang Yaotang with a strange expression.

The rumors were indeed true; the mastermind behind the new Myanmar project was indeed Wang Yaotang.

“There is only one government in Myanmar. What is the status of the New Myanmar Workers?” Chatchai Chun Hawang asked in a deep voice.

“After the ceasefire agreement, the Sumatran government recognized the status of the New Myanmar Workers’ Autonomous Region as a special region with independent military, economic, and policy rights. Drug control is a universal value recognized by countries around the world and does not involve sovereignty.” Wang Yaotang did not say anything divisive.

Chachai Chunhawang nodded upon hearing this, "Okay."

That was the end of it. Wang Yaotang wouldn't be involved in any further negotiations between the two sides; I was just a 'military contractor'.

While ostensibly discussing the crackdown on drug traffickers, Luo Xinghan and Bao Youxiang also talked extensively about economic exchanges after the elimination of Zhang Qifu, hoping to develop some cooperation. However, all of this was based on the premise that Zhang Qifu could actually be eliminated.

After the negotiations, Chatchai Chunhawang approached Wang Yaotang again. Since Zhang Qifu was in Myanmar, Siam could not hire a protector to carry out military operations in another country. Therefore, this matter needed the consent of the Sumao government to comply with the legal process, which required Wang Yaotang to communicate with Myanmar.

The matter changed from a simple Siamese employment to a joint employment between the two countries. Wang Yaotang did not contact Su Mao directly but contacted his hometown first. His hometown was very proactive and visited Myanmar through official channels.

Siam then pushed the issue to ASEAN, arguing that drug control is a universal value and no one can object; everyone must actively cooperate.

Su Mao's feelings were somewhat complicated when he saw Wang Yaotang again.

The existence of Zhang Qifu's forces is a major stain on Myanmar, given that they produce 85% of the world's No. 4 batteries. However, the Myanmar military government would prefer that the New Myanmar Workers' Party and Zhang Qifu suffer mutual losses, though this cannot be said directly.

Now, thanks to Wang Yaotang's efforts, the matter is no longer just a problem for Myanmar. His hometown and the entire Southeast Asia are paying attention to it. No matter how Su Mao tries to shirk responsibility, given Wang Yaotang's style, he will definitely make sure that the whole of Southeast Asia knows about it.

As for that nonsense about not allowing foreign military forces into the country... First of all, the 'protective umbrella' doesn't represent any country; it's just a private security company. Besides, your military government doesn't even have complete control over the country!

You have no right to say such things!
There was nothing Su Mao could do but accept it, even if it meant swallowing her pride.

Zhang Qifu was completely unaware of these international communications, still believing it was merely a struggle with Luo Xinghan and Bao Youxiang over the controlled area...

As the conflict between the two sides intensified, Zhang Qifu mobilized most of his troops to the front lines of the conflict, including Mengyang County, Mengyong County, and Laimei County, leaving the rear forces in Tachileik vulnerable.

At the same time, a somewhat unusual cargo ship docked in Laem Chabang, and four Type 59 and six Type 89 tracked armored vehicles were quietly transported to the dock, then entered the train station and headed north.

Also boarding the vehicle were a reinforced battalion led by Chen Yuanchao, their destination Chiang Rai! (End of Chapter)