09-18-2012 19:28 BJT

Naw Kham, the principal suspect in last years’ deadly attack on the Mekong River is to stand trial in Kunmin, Southwest China. The city's Intermediate People’s Court has started prosecution proceedings against six suspects accused of intentional homicide, drug trafficking, kidnapping and ship hijacking.

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Naw Kham, head of an armed drug gang, was arrested on April 25th, 2012 in Laos. His innocent appearance belies the brutal acts he admits to committing last year.

Naw Kham: "My name is Naw Kham from Myanmar. I’m 44."

Police: "Why were you arrested?"

Naw Kham: "Because I planned and killed 13 Chinese sailors on the Mekong River on Oct. 5th, 2011."

On October 5th, 2011, an intensive gunbattle broke out on the Mekong River. 13 crew members on board two Chinese ships, the Hua Ping and the Yu Xing 8, were killed by gunmen and then dumped in the Mekong River.

News of the murder quickly spread across the country. A joint investigation was carried out by police from China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Naw Kham, and other core gang members were arrested.

But the question remained as to why the head of a drugs gang targeted Chinese crews?

Naw Kham says, "On 22nd September 2011, these two ships carrying Myanmar soldiers attacked our base. I wanted revenge."

The Mekong River is a major waterway in Southeast Asia. After leaving China the river flows through the Golden Triangle area where the borders of Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos meet. The region has long been plagued by lawlessness and is notorious for drug smuggling.

Naw Kham: "There are 40 members in our team. Each of them has their members."

Police: "What kind of weapons do you have?"

Naw Kham: "Mainly submachine guns, M16s and pistols "

Naw Kham admits to planning and executing the massacre with five other gang members. They misled Thai soldiers into thinking the Chinese ships were carrying drugs...which threw police off the trail of the killers.

The gang had more than 100 members and was mainly active in the Golden Triangle region.

It was involved in various violent crimes, including the manufacture and trafficking of drugs, kidnapping, robbery, blackmail and charging protection money along the Mekong River.