Bangkok Post(4/8/99)

[mandalay@xxxxxxxxxx]

Quick re-opening of crossing urged
Supoj Wancharoen and Temsak Traisopon

San Ton Du border crossing should be re-opened once the narcotics problem
is solved, says the top customs chief.

"It is all right if concerned parties want the San Ton Du closed. But
should the problem go away, I'd like it opened once again," said Somjainuek
Hengtraku, director-general of the Customs Department.

He said the customs officials have no proof of methamphetamine smuggling
via the San Ton Du border crossing, adding that the areas deep inside the
forests were always inspected during trading activities.

Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry will not involve itself in the border
closure issue, a source said yesterday.

The ministry is not responsible for the border crossing as "the power to
close down a border crossing lies with the Customs Department's chief". 
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