BURMA 'MUST COMBAT DRUGS'

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said yesterday he had made it clear to
Burma that its relations with Thailand depended on Rangoon's sincere
cooperation in suppression of illicit drugs.

His remark followed news reports that Burmese authorities had seized five
million methamphetamine pills and more than 30kg of heroin on Wednesday.

The news was confirmed by Thai intelligence reports, Mr Thaksin said.

He had earlier told Rangoon it must help in the fight against drugs if it
wished to maintain good relations with Bangkok and Thai support for Burma's
national development.

Rangoon had sent officials to confirm its policy against drugs and its
urgent plans to promote cultivation of substitute crops for opium poppies
in Burma.

Mr Thaksin said Rangoon had also warned drug producers and traffickers to
end their operations or face tough action.

Thailand could in turn show sincerity by declaring a clear policy not to
support Burma's minority rebels, he said.

''Now, all our policies are clear. We will cooperate in suppressing drugs
and this will help alleviate the drug problem.

''Thailand will give economic assistance to create jobs there, so we won't
have to shoulder the burden of illegal migrant workers from Burma like we
are doing now,'' he said.