Bkk Post - Chuan applauds improved

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Subject: Bkk Post - Chuan applauds improved cooperation with Burma

Bangkok Post - Aug 27, 1999.
Chuan applauds improved cooperation with Burma

The prime minister yesterday claimed increased border cooperation with Burma
had led to a more effective drug suppression drive.

Chuan Leekpai said he was also satisfied with Burma's increased input in
resolving drug trafficking along the border. He had just sent a letter to
Gen Than Shwe, his Burmese counterpart, emphasising the need for even closer
cooperation to tackle narcotic problems. Jurin Laksanavisit, the PM's Office
minister who supervises the Narcotics Control Board, said drug fugitive Bang
Ron, or Surachai Ngernthongfu, is still under the protection of Burmese
minority groups along the border area.

Premsak Piayura, an opposition MP, used this statement to question the
government's ability to tackle border trafficking problems. He said the
government had failed to arrest Bang Ron, who reportedly escaped after
police seized 750,000 methamphetamine pills at his Nong Chok residence. Mr
Jurin replied that Bang Ron's assets worth 8.5 million baht had been seized
and these would go to the drug prevention fund if he remained a fugitive.