Lao, Thai military forces tackle border drug trade

Lao and Thai military personnel are bolstering security in the border area along the Mekong River between Bokeo province in Laos and Chiang Rai province in Thailand, hoping to stem the burgeoning drug trade.

Lao and Thai military vessels patrol the Mekong River between Bokeo province and Chiang Rai province, Thailand.

Military personnel from the two countries met in Chiang Rai province on July 20 to discuss the growing drug problem in the area. The Lao side was co-chaired by the Chief of the Military Command of Bokeo province, Colonel Thongkhai Siyalath.
Reports were presented on previous joint efforts to stem the drug trade, and participants shared opinions and information concerning the rise in the drug trade between Bokeo province and Thailand.
It was noted that Lao and Thai military personnel had been proactive in organising and expanding cooperation plans on a regular basis and been successful in intercepting the transport of drugs across the river.
Suspects had been arrested and security along the border tightened up.
At the end of the meeting, the Lao and Thai delegations expressed their mutual gratitude for the way in which their cooperation enabled frank and open discussions about many important issues.
This productive partnership was bolstering efforts to resolve the illegal trade in drugs on the Lao-Thai border and effectively addressing other problems in the border area.
On the same occasion, meeting participants also took part in a second demonstration of a boat patrol along the Mekong River.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update July 27, 2023)