FEARS THAT YANGON LEADERSHIP CHANGE MAY AFFECT THAI DRUG CONTROL

ONCB waiting for clear signals from Burma

The local director of the Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) is
apprehensive that the new Burmese leader will not fully support
Thailand's drug suppression in the region, following the ouster of
Gen. Khin Nyunt as prime minister, replaced by Lt.-Gen. Soe Win.

Pittaya Jinawat, director of the ONCB in the North, said that it had
noted the political change in the Burmese political leadership. It
predicted a renewed spread of drugs by some minority groups that the
Office had placed under observation, according to Pittaya.

"Thai officials need to keep a close watch on these minority groups -
the Red Wa, Ko Kang minority group members, Maung Tai Army (MTA),
Karen National Union (KNU) and Kayini National Progressive Party
(KNPP)," said Pittaya.

The ONCB was trying to negotiate with them, but had to wait for signs
of a policy from the new Burmese leaders.

Pittaya said that he was unsure about the impact on Thai-Burmese
relations, which involved the Ban Yong Kha development project and
mutual work to develop border villages, drug suppression and
investments by government and private sectors. Pittaya said that the
changes in Myanmar might have hidden benefits to that country's
leaders and that foreign countries could not exert influence as it was
an internal affair.