According to the UNODC's Southeast Asia Opium Survey 2023, Myanmar has become the world's largest opium producer, surpassing Afghanistan with an 18% increase in production. The report also highlighted the "Golden Triangle" region, which is made up of parts of Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand, and saw a 7% increase in opium production since 2022. The UNODC has called for greater international cooperation to tackle the illicit drug trade, as it is a major source of funding for armed groups in the region.