NAKHON RATCHASIMA – Thai and Lao governments have agreed to strengthen their cooperative drug crackdown during the 15th bilateral meeting of Thai and Lao delegates on the joint effort to prevent and combat drug trafficking.
The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) disclosed that both sides agreed to beef up inspection of boats along the Mekong River, starting in August. The meeting was co-chaired by Justice Minister Gen Paiboon Koomchaya and the Chairman of Lao National Commission for Drug Control and Supervision, Mr. Kou Chansina.
Apart from the stricter joint surveillance, the Thai government has requested the Lao counterpart to help monitor transport of drug precursors and related chemicals from Thailand to prevent and stem narcotics production in Golden Triangle. Meanwhile, Laos suggested that Thai authorities identify suspicious boats in advance.
The ONCB has also offered to train Lao officials to deal with detection of active narcotic ingredients and drug testing in laboratories.
