Lan Yonggang, deputy police chief in Mengla, another county under Xishuangbanna, suggests that the ethnic autonomous prefecture, which enjoys independent legislative power, can resolve the dilemma through legislation. However, he admits it might be a long and complicated process.

He says the Menghai care center for drug rehabilitation is a model that can solve the problem.

The center was a brainchild of the local police. But to avoid a clash with current legal procedures, it was initiated by the civil affairs bureau with help from AIDS prevention groups and other authorities. It is seen as a way to deal with groups of people who many believe enjoy an amnesty.

Police chief Tan said the program is neither a detention house, nor a clinical service. It is a care center, which integrates efforts from police, public health and civil affairs authorities.

The center was set up with government investment of 1.5 million yuan. It has 19 workers, including doctors and nurses, while police monitor its security. Thirty-four people are receiving treatment at the center. Tan says it can accommodate 80 at most.

Xu Heping, director of the Yunnan Provincial AIDS Prevention Bureau, says Menghai is a model for dealing with this special challenge. It is worth duplicating, but currently needs both funding and policy support from the government.

Liao Zhong seems satisfied at the center. His imagination still flies far and high. "I hope I can go to Tibet or Xinjiang after I totally recover. They are good places."