VIENTIANE, 24 May 2012 – Thailand’s Defense Minister paid his first official visit to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic this morning to discuss the compound threat of illegal immigrants and cross-border drug trafficking.
Defense Minister Air Chief Marshal Sukumpol Suwanatat said the visit at the invitation of his Laotian counterpart is aimed at fortifying bilateral cooperation on tackling illicit drug trafficking and illegal immigration along the common border.
The minister also said the visit provides an opportunity to introduce himself to neighboring Laos upon the assumption of his new post.
Meanwhile, commenting on the cabinet’s approval of the 1,800-billion-baht defense budget, Air Chief Marshal Sukumpol said that the fund will be used to improve the armed forces and the quality of their personnel as well as develop new defense technologies.
