Pubdate: Fri, 27 Sep 2002
Source: Bangkok Post (Thailand)
Copyright: The Post Publishing Public Co., Ltd. 2002
Contact:  http://www.bangkokpost.co.th/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/39
Author: Supoj Wancharoen

BID TO SET UP INTERNATIONAL HQ

The House drug suppression follow-up committee is pushing for the 
establishment of an international drug control police head office in 
Thailand with support from the United States.

Col Winai Sompong, chairman of the panel, said the commitee's proposal on 
forming the International Drug Control Police headquarters in Thailand won 
support from Washington after it was presented to US authorities during the 
panel's study trip to the US in June.

The members met the US deputy secretary of state, senators, representatives 
of US anti-drug units and the Supreme Court for discussions.

"We informed them of the drug problem in Thailand and of Thai government 
policies to seriously tackle this problem.

"After this they agreed with our idea to form an international drug police 
office in Thailand because we are located near drug sources. This will help 
us much with tackling drug problems," the chairman said.

Col Winai said the House panel also proposed organising an international 
seminar in Thailand on laws as a major tool in the war on drugs.

About 300 representatives of all Asean countries, China, Japan, the 
Netherlands and the US, as well as human rights groups and NGOs, will be 
invited to the seminar, scheduled for Bangkok in January.

Three laws to be discussed are on wiretapping, money laundering and witness 
protection.

On Oct 4, a Thai-US academic seminar on drug laws will be held at the US 
embassy in Bangkok under the digital video conference system.

Meanwhile, Bangkok Senator Chirmsak Pinthong hit out at the government, 
saying it had failed to combat the spread of untaxed Krong Thip cigarettes, 
which could cause the state to lose about 18.2 billion baht revenue this year.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager