DRUG DEALERS FEELING PINCH, MOVING TO LAO BORDER

Royal Thai Army Keeping A Close Watch On Thai-Burma Friendship Bridge

The commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Army expressed concern over the
narcotics problem at Thai-Burma border, as drug networks shift their
transportation routes northeast along the Lao border.

Gen Chaiyasith Shinawatra was visiting the soldiers of the Pha Muang Task
Force stationed on the Thai-Burmese border.

He also checked progress on the construction of the Thai-Burma Friendship
Bridge at Ban Wieng Hom in Chiang Rai's Mae Sai district.

He was received by Brigadier Gen Mien Saw, a representative of the Myanmar
Ministry of Defense, Col Ko Ko Maung, Myanmar's deputy military attach? to
Thailand, and other officials from Myanmar and Thailand.

Gen Chaiyasith said there has been a decrease in narcotics smuggling across
the 2nd Thai-Burma border bridge, thanks to the good cooperation from
Myanmar in suppressing the drug trade and arresting dealers.

However, he is concerned that these positive results are leading to drug
networks shifting their routes to the northeast at the Lao border to
transport drugs into Thailand.

The military has adapted its strategies to intercept them, though.

The new friendship bridge under construction would benefit both Thailand
and Myanmar. It would serve as a gate and commercial path to the south of
China, the general said.