They were freed after serving several years; some remained in the US, others returned to Thailand.

Wherever he is now, Khun Sa’s memory isn’t confined to a museum. Sein Kyi says paramilitary groups faithful to the aging drug lord are still operating in the Homong area, their activities controlled by the Burmese regime.

Furthermore, the US warrant for his arrest is still on the table. And in a Thai village his name still inspires awe.

This article appeared in the July issue of The Irrawaddy Magazine.