Bkk Post-Drug suppression urged

[tinkyi@xxxxxxx]

March 6, 1999
THAI-BURMESE TIES

Drug suppression urged

Thailand will raise concerns over the uncontrolled production of narcotic
substances in Burma when Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai meets his Burmese
counterpart in Chiang Rai on Monday.

Government spokesman Akapol Sorasuchart said the main issue to be discussed
between the two leaders is the problem of production of narcotic substances
in Burma - which is increasingly being sold in Thailand.

He said Mr Chuan would seek Burmese cooperation in stopping these factories,
all of which are believed to operating on the Burmese side of Thai border
areas in the North.

Mr Akapol said the main reason for meeting the Burmese Prime Minister Than
Shwe in Chiang Rai is so that he can observe the development Thailand has
been doing to abolish the narcotics trade.

He said the Burmese premier will also be taken to see the plantation of
alternative crops in Doi Tung.