Thailand, Laos To Tighten Border Security

Thailand, Laos to tighten border security

VIENTIANE: -- Thailand and Laos have agreed on Monday to increase border security by assigning officials to keep close watch, however, both sides agreed that military and police officers must not encroach into the other’s border when carrying out duties.

The move was announced after the 16th Joint Border Committee meeting. Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, who’s also Defence Minister, co-presided the meeting with Lao Defence Minister Lt Gen. Duangjai Pijit. The meeting took place on the sideline of the Greater Mekong Sub-region leaders’ summit. Also attending the talks were Thailand ’s Supreme Commander, Army Chief and secretary-general of the National Security Council and senior officials of other relevant agencies.

Despite the intention to enhance vigilance along the border, the two sides “do not endorse encroachment by army or police forces of either side.” But they do agree to post more officials on duty to watch the border with a view to stem illicit drug flow, illicit trade of endangered species.

In addition, both sides agreed to “regulate border activities to facilitate tourists wishing to cross the border, and to resolve problems of dual citizenship.”

In response to the question of 7,800 Hmong immigrants stranded in Thailand , Prime Minister Samak said Thailand is ready to repatriate these people, provided that they volunteer.

Lao Defence Minister Duangjai said Laos is prepared to receive them back after verification that they are genuinely Lao nationals and this verification must follow proper procedures.

--TNA 2008-03-31