Laos agrees to tackle threats to Thai govt

Laos agrees to tackle threats to Thai govt

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsowon, centre left, shakes hands with Lao Defence Minister Chansamone Chanyalath during his visit to Vientiane to attend the 24th meeting of the Thai-Lao General Border Committee in Vientiane on Thursday. (Defence Ministry photo)
Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsowon, centre left, shakes hands with Lao Defence Minister Chansamone Chanyalath during his visit to Vientiane to attend the 24th meeting of the Thai-Lao General Border Committee in Vientiane on Thursday. (Defence Ministry photo)

Thailand and Laos agreed on Thursday to increase bilateral cooperation against people threatening the other's security, the defence spokesman said.

The agreement was reached when Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prawit Wonsuwon met Lao Defence Minister Chansamone Chanyalath during their visit to Vientiane to attend the 24th meeting of the Thai-Lao General Border Committee (GBC), Kongcheep Tantrawanit said.

They discussed improving cooperation on overall security issues and agreed to seriously increase cooperation against illicit drugs and "groups of people who threaten the security" of either country, Lt Gen Kongcheep said.

Gen Prawit and Lt Gen Chansamone co-chaired the GBC which also agreed that the two sides would take serious action against people threatening the other's security, and exchange intelligence reports for the purpose.

The GBC also agreed to promote security along their joint border, regularly organise meetings to promote cooperation at various levels, and increase joint border patrols to tackle human trafficking and goods smuggling, the defence spokesman said.

Earlier this year Bangkok sought cooperation from Laos to locate fugitive red-shirt hardliner and lese majeste suspect Wuthipong "Kotee" Kochathamakun and prevent his group criticising the Thai regime via community radio stations based in Laos.

Mr Wuthipong, who fled after a warrant was issued for his arrest in April 2014 on a lese majeste charge, reportedly going to Laos, has also been implicated by the government in another case in which a cache of weapons was found in a house in Pathum Thani province in March.

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