Pubdate: Sat, 22 May 2004 Source: Chiangmai Mail (Thailand) Copyright: 2004 Chiangmai Mail Contact: http://www.chiangmai-mail.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3105 DRUG DEALERS FEELING PINCH, MOVING TO LAO BORDER Royal Thai Army Keeping A Close Watch On Thai-Burma Friendship Bridge The commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Army expressed concern over the narcotics problem at Thai-Burma border, as drug networks shift their transportation routes northeast along the Lao border. Gen Chaiyasith Shinawatra was visiting the soldiers of the Pha Muang Task Force stationed on the Thai-Burmese border. He also checked progress on the construction of the Thai-Burma Friendship Bridge at Ban Wieng Hom in Chiang Rai's Mae Sai district. He was received by Brigadier Gen Mien Saw, a representative of the Myanmar Ministry of Defense, Col Ko Ko Maung, Myanmar's deputy military attach? to Thailand, and other officials from Myanmar and Thailand. Gen Chaiyasith said there has been a decrease in narcotics smuggling across the 2nd Thai-Burma border bridge, thanks to the good cooperation from Myanmar in suppressing the drug trade and arresting dealers. However, he is concerned that these positive results are leading to drug networks shifting their routes to the northeast at the Lao border to transport drugs into Thailand. The military has adapted its strategies to intercept them, though. The new friendship bridge under construction would benefit both Thailand and Myanmar. It would serve as a gate and commercial path to the south of China, the general said. - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart