Southeast Asia Opium Survey 2023

This report analyzes data collected in Myanmar during the second growing season since the military takeover, showing an 18 per cent increase from 40,100 to 47,100 hectares. At 1,080 metric tons today, the potential yield is at its highest since 2001. Following the recent decline of opium cultivation in Afghanistan, Myanmar now stands as the world’s largest source of opium. The survey also examines the first cultivation data collected in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) since 2015. While the data shows that cultivation levels remained relatively stable at 5,000 hectares, more regular estimates will be key to understanding the impact of recent economic challenges faced by the country.