THAILAND, MYANMAR TO DISCUSS DRUGS COOPERATION

BANGKOK, March 3 (Reuters) - Thai premier Chuan Leekpai will discuss joint
efforts to suppress narcotics with Myanmar military leader Senior General
Than Shwe when they meet in northern Chiangrai next Monday, officials said
on Wednesday.

Other issues that will figure are a host of border problems, the issue of
Karen refugees crossing into Thai territory and naval standoffs along
common waters that have strained ties between the two neighbours, they told
Reuters.

Than Shwe, chairman of the military-dominated ruling State Peace and
Development Council, will be the first Myanmar premier to make an official
visit to Thailand in nearly 15 years since strongman General Ne Win visited
in 1985.

"Cooperation in narcotics suppression is one of the key issues for
discussion. We think that if we are more serious in suppression it would
help improve the image of Myanmar," said Jurin Laksanavisit, minister in
the Prime Minister's Office.

Jurin supervises Thailand's Office Of Narcotics Control Board.

Heroin and opium trafficking from the poppy-growing Golden Triangle area,
where the borders of Myanmar, Thailand and Laos meet, is a serious problem
faced by both countries.

Myanmar is the world's top opium producer and is trying hard to improve its
battered image on that front while Thailand is a major transit route used
by drug trafficking syndicates.

U.S. drug agencies estimate Myanmar's 1998 opium production at 1,750
tonnes, while Yangon says it was around 680 tonnes.

Thousands of ethnic Karen refugees, who have fled fighting between the
Myanmar military and the rebel Karen National Union guerrilla group, have
sought refuge in western Thailand.

They are a sore point between the militaries of the two countries.

Bilateral relations have also been strained in recent months following
exchanges of fire between Thai and Myanmar naval patrol boats over disputes
about illegal fishing in their common waters. At least seven have died in
the skirmishes.

Than Shwe will go to Bangkok from Chiangrai on Tuesday for an audience with
Thai King Bhumbiol Adulyadej before returning home, officials said.