Thailand Criticizes Burma for Drug

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Thailand Flays Burma for Not Cooperating in Drug Fight

Source:  Bangkok Siam Rat in Thai 06 Jan 1998; pp 13, 14

Banphot Piamdi, Director of the Northern Region's Narcotics Suppression 
Center, said on 05 January that Thailand made a big
mistake when it supported Burma's entry into ASEAN at the recent
meeting of the organization.  This is because Thailand thought
that by doing so it could bring Burma to the negotiating table
or through diplomatic channels seek its cooperation in narcotics
suppression.  So far, Banphot said, Burma has been trying to
avoid talking about the narcotics problem or giving its full
cooperation in narcotics suppression operations.  

Banphot disclosed that in many meetings between officials of the
two countries, the Burmese delegation always refused to make any
commitments by saying that it had to seek prior approval from 
Rangoon.  In particular, there has not yet been any progress made
on the setting up of a special supression unit for border areas
inside Burma as proposed by the Third Army region.  

He said:  "The Burmese Government says one thing but does another.
It claims to have subdued Khun Sa's group and shows the weapons
they seized.  However, the fact is that the group under the 
supervision of Chamouang or Chahoaung, Khun Sa's son, has 
received permission from Rangoon to produce narcotics in the areas
along the Thai-Burmese border."

The director of the Northern Region's Narcotics Suppression 
Center said:  "We are now trying to assess the Burmese government's
policy in this connection.  The production of amphetamine inside
Burma is rampant.  Amphetamine tablets produced by the Red Wa
minority group always have the group's symbol stamped on them.
It is possible that local military people are joining hands with
the Red Wa in narcotics production and trafficking.  However, he
said he cannont say anything much at the moment due to a lack of 
evidence.  Meanwhile, both the United Nations and United States
are critical of and exposing Burma's misconduct in many aspects
to the world."  

Banphot revealed that it is very possible that Rangoon and the 
Red Wa have reached an agreement for the latter's disarmament.
Like Khun Sa's group, the Red Wa will be allowed to continue
their drug production after they have laid down their weapons.
If this assumption is true, Thailand will be in a very 
difficult position because it will be used as a transit route
by traffickers for the export of narcotics to other countries.
 

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