Pubdate: Sat, 27 Dec 2003 Source: Chiangmai Mail (Thailand) Copyright: 2003 Chiangmai Mail Contact: http://www.chiangmai-mail.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3105 Author: Phisut Itsaracheewawat OPIUM ERADICATION CONTINUES US Ambassador lauds Thailand's efforts The Chiang Mai-based 7th Artillery Battalion, with cooperation from the US government, has shown a positive will to eradicate drugs from Thailand. Thai and US governments have worked together for 30 years to get rid of drugs from the country and make hill tribe people change from planting and using it. Lieutenant General Picharnmeth Muangmanee, Commander of the 3rd Army Region, said that opium destruction was successful because of good support from the Thai government and financial support from the US government. "The number of opium fields along the northern border has decreased from 5,000 rai last year to 500 rai this year," he added. US Ambassador to Thailand, Darryl N. Johnson said that in 1999 Thailand was considered to be one of the high-risk areas of drug harvesting but now he confirmed that Thailand was no longer mentioned. "Thailand has proved successful in handling the drug problem showing that opium is no longer significant in Thailand, but drug problems still remain, that I hope will be cured soon," the US Ambassador said. Both parties announced that they would pursue an opium destruction plan continuing until next year, aiming to educate hill tribe people on the dangers of opium, motivate them to plant other crops, with a crop replacement program. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh