THAI-BURMESE COOPERATION IN FIGHTING DRUG TRAFFICKING EVALUATED

The Third Army Region has evaluated the cooperation in Thai-Burmese
border village development, as part of the drive to stop the
trafficking in drugs.

The Third Army Region's deputy commander, Maj Gen Pravit Klinthong and
Pittaya Jinawat, the director of the Office of Narcotics Control Board
(ONCB), Northern Office chaired the evaluation that was held at
Nakhonping Palace Hotel, Chiang Mai on September 23. 150 commanders
and officials of the Third Army Region attended.

Deputy Commander Maj Gen Pravit said Thailand had developed villages
in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son and Tak provinces.

"This project was initiated early this year so far we have found
that the people living in the border region have learned about village
self-defence, resulting in greater national security," said Major
General Pravit.

Third Army Region commander Lt Gen Phicharnmeth Muangmanee has also
put army troops under his command on alert and to patrol the border
villages.

Furthermore, prevention measures have been stepped up to help control
drug smuggling along the border. Thai and Burmese troops now jointly
patrol the border villages.

Pittaya Jinawat, director of the ONCB, said that he met with
high-ranking Burmese officials many times and the Burmese authorities
assured him that they agree with and support the Thai initiative.

The Burmese say they have a limited budget and have asked for support
from the Royal Thai Army. "We can give the Burmese side more help with
regard to crop replacement programs with various cash crops and seeds
to replace the opium crops," Pittaya said.

He added, "Sometimes the Burmese authorities arrest drug suspects
inside Myanmar and hand them over to the Thai authorities. This shows
good cooperation by our neighbours. This kind of close cooperation has
put pressure on drug traffickers along the Thai-Burmese border. We
expect the drug trade and smuggling along the border to decrease in
the near future as the Burmese authorities have begun to take serious
action against dealers. This is a good sign for Thailand," he said.