Security at Thai border stepped up to prevent drug smuggling

BANGKOK, 26 January 2012 (NNT) – Third Army Region Commander Lt-Gen Wanthip Wongwai said drug eradication in Thailand could be achieved if everyone gets involved. He added concerted efforts would help prevent cross-border smuggling of drugs and their distribution within the country.

Dealers are expected to try to smuggle in more drugs, according to Lt-Gen Wanthip, since last year’s flood had wiped out most of their stashes. He cited more demands from addicts would prompt smugglers to find their ways to enter narcotics into Thailand.

Heavy military patrols over the Thai-Lao border in Nong Khai province have consequently forced smugglers to divert their route. Intelligence finds smugglers have opted to enter Thailand from Myanmar, crossing the border in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. The smugglers, carrying backpacks each containing 50,000 narcotic pills, are usually accompanied by armed guards.

The revelation by the Third Army Region commander was in accord with reports of sporadic gun fights on the Thai-Burmese border. Lt-Gen Wanthip said barbed wire fences have been set up along targeted border areas to close all possible paths that could be used by the smugglers to cross into Thailand. He added that the recent arrests of major drug dealers in Bangkok had all been tipped off by officers who protected the border.