BAMBOO PLANTING TOUTED AS ANSWER TO DRUG RUNNING

Japan And Third Army Think So

The Third Army's operation center, with Japanese specialists, is
promoting bamboo planting as a viably economic means to earn an honest
living. People can turn bamboo into value-added products, which the
army hopes could help solve the drug problem along the Thai- Burmese
border areas.

Major General Veerawat Tansuhut, Chiang Rai provincial army commander,
explained the project during his keynote address to the Thai- Burma
cooperation training course to develop border villages under the
supervision of the Third Army Region.

This personnel training was held at Meng Rai Maharaja military camp.
The plan covered 20 villages in Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son,
and Tak. Major General Veerawat explained that for the bamboo project,
the army invited a team of specialists from Japan, led by Yoshito
Lgarashi, the advisor of Pai Come Bamboo Foundation, to explain further.

The army would work with the Foundation, while Japan would buy the
bamboo and turn it into bamboo tissues and clothes. The bamboo trunk
can also be burnt and used as charcoal fuel and bamboo oil is used as
a beauty treatment.

The project is free of charge to the planters and they can sell their
quality products to the companies as well. The army will be
responsible for the bamboo project. Maj Gen Veerawat said Chiang Rai
has been assigned as the pilot province and it would be considered as
a solution for poverty and drug problems.