BETTER CO-OPERATION FROM BURMA SOUGHT

A Drug-Free Asean Is The Ultimate Goal

Thailand is seeking greater co-operation from other countries to combat drug
problems in the region, Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai said yesterday.

"Problems in the region, especially concerning drugs, affect not only
Thailand but also other countries in the region," the prime minister said to
a group of 500 reporters from nine provinces in the Lower North.

"The Prime Minister Meets Mass Media of the Lower North" was also attended
by 12 cabinet ministers and top provincial officials.

On Thailand's handling of the drug problem, Mr Chuan said the government had
tried to seek concrete co-operation from the government of Burma, which is
known as a major source of narcotics. The curb on drugs began with an
invitation to Burmese leader Than Shwe to visit Thailand in December 1997 to
discuss drug suppression co-operation. Gen Than Shwe agreed to the proposal
and Burma has since become more co-operative.

Jurin Laksanavisit, the PM's Office minister in charge of narcotics
suppression, said nearly 100% of drugs, especially methamphetamines, are
produced in Burma and 90% of whole production is brought into Thailand.

Mr Jurin said: "As a result of bilateral co-operation, Burma on several
occasions has seized between one and five million speed pills at a time.

"At the same time, we found 40-50 methamphetamine plants along the border
and Burma has been informed about them. We are looking forward to seeing
Burma's actions," he added.

M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra, the deputy foreign minister, said that in the
next four to five months Thailand will reach a new drug agreement with
Burma, Malaysia and China.

On Oct 11-12, there will be a ministerial-level meeting of Asean with
co-operation from the United Nations Drug Control Programme (UNDCP). The
objective is to push for Asean to become a drug-free zone in 15 years.

Mr Chuan said he had also sought greater co-operation from the military
against the drug menace.