ARMY COUNTS ON HELPFUL NEIGHBOURS

Security Stepped Up On Trafficking Routes

The Third Army commander hopes to stamp out drug trafficking with the
co-operation of three neighbouring countries.

Lt-Gen Udomchai Ongkhasingh said the anti-drug drive could get a boost from
joint patrol operations along the Mekong river by Thailand, China, Burma
and Laos.

The idea was raised at a recent meeting in Beijing between the countries.

"It is being considered by the Foreign Ministry. Personally, I believe it
would benefit us all. I hope to use such operations in suppressing drugs,"
he said.

Lt-Gen Udomchai was happy to hear that drug manufacturing plants on the
Burmese border were moving further inland.

Some were reportedly moved along the Burmese-Lao border close to the Mekong
river.

The commander said security would be stepped up in areas thought to serve
as trafficking routes.

"The Mekong river is likely to be used to smuggle drugs," said Lt-Gen Udomchai.

Special Task Force 399 had been deployed along the Burmese border in Tak's
Phrop Phra district.

The task force is an elite unit, well-equipped and specially trained for
ground operations at night.

Lt-Gen Udomchai believed Burma was sincere in its efforts to solve border
problems, especially trafficking.

He said booby traps which injured four Thai soldiers on a patrol mission in
Mae Hong Son's Pang Ma Pha district were not planted by drug traffickers.

The traps might have been planted by Burmese ethnic rebels to guard against
attacks by Rangoon troops, he said.