Illicit Trade in the Golden Triangle Lax regulations at the confluence of the Thai, Burmese, and Laotian borders have created an atmosphere in which illegal trade thrives. 2010.01.04 Related links: Traveling down the Mekong River MORE Multimedia Slideshow: Myanmar Protests Intensify Myanmar Ruling Party Claims Victory After Strong Election Turnout Vietnam Digs Out After Typhoon Molave Leaves 3 Dead, 26 Missing Vietnam Braces for Typhoon Molave After a Deadly Month of Storms Myanmar's Regional, Ethnic Political Parties Fly Their Colors Before Polls MOST READ RFA Chinese arrests jump nearly 50% amid clampdown on ‘hostile foreign forces’ China pushes ‘Sinicization of Islam’ in Xinjiang as Ramadan arrives Videos appear to show Myanmar military training Rohingyas North Koreans try to avoid forced construction work Military conscription poised to start in Myanmar’s Yangon