The origin of "pipe dream" has a surprising link to opium, a substance historically smoked in specific types of pipes. In the 19th century, opium was commonly used in Europe and the Americas.

The Qing Government finally made a resolute decision and dispatched Lin Zexu, Governor-General of Hubei and Hunan, to ban opium smoking and the opium trade in Guangdong.

A display depicting an opium smoker at the House of Opium, in the Thai part of the Golden Triangle. The region's drug-producing past is remembered here through museums, tours and memorials. Photo ...