US PLEDGES HELP AGAINST NARCOTICS

Package To Include Night Operation Gear

Adm Dennis Blair, commander of the US Pacific Command, has pledged
support in training and educating Thai officials to combat the drug
problem along the border.

Adm Blair is currently on a high-level visit aimed at tightening
bilateral cooperation on drugs suppression.

A guest of the supreme command, the US commander went to Chiang Mai
yesterday to study the border drug situation in the North.

His presence highlighted the intensifying problem of narcotics
production and distribution worsened by the influx of supplies from
across the border.

Lt-Gen Wattanachai Chaimuenwong, the Third Region commander, said it
was the first time a high-ranking US commander had visited Thailand
with the specific intention of combating drugs.

Adm Blair wanted to see the intensity of the problem for himself and
also view the geography of the drug-affected areas.

He said his priority was to focus on drug suppression. In the US, such
operations were conducted with the help of the military, a strategy the
government is also adopting in the war against drugs. Lt-Gen
Wattanachai said the spread of drugs was a global problem attracting
the attention of both the US and the European Union. The involvement of
international terrorists was also a cause for concern.

The commander said the US will offer military technological support and
personnel training for officials to improve their suppression
capabilities.

He expected the US to supply necessary equipment such as nocturnal
surveillance gear and devices for difficult terrain.

Adm Blair's itinerary includes a visit to the US consulate in Chiang
Mai and a trip to Thawai village.

He was to arrive at Kaweela Camp and border police headquarters today
for briefings on the overall drug situation and the deployment of
suppressive measures.

He would also be flown to Doi Kew Hoong, a border town in Mae Ai
district, Chiang Mai, where a lookout post would be set up to observe
drug-producing activities in Mong Yawn, in Burma.

Washington would send personnel to train the anti-drug squad, chief-of-
staff Gen Chokechai Hongthong said, adding that similar assistance was
also given to Columbia. He was confident Adm Blair's visit would
attract worldwide attention and Thailand would benefit from wider anti-
drug support.