Topic: Chiang Mai

While researching the drug trade in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Milligan discovered evidence of his father's 1956 trip with CIA operative Edward Lansdale. His mother provided a photograph showing a picnic in Saigon featuring Lansdale and North Vietnamese military leaders. Milligan uses this as evidence that intelligence agencies manufacture "battles" for the media while maintaining private cooperation with supposed enemies.

Thai culture views spirits as mischievous, fickle, and easily bribed, leading to the widespread use of spirit houses at every home and building. These shrines are used to placate land spirits and ask for favors such as protection or good luck. Janks shares an anecdote about the dangers of photographing spirit houses without permission, noting that locals believe offended spirits can cause physical harm.