Thai PM denies Laos rift

Thai PM denies Laos rift

BANGKOK (AFP): Thai Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai played down
on Monday reports of a rift between Thailand and Laos over the
handling of border clashes between Lao troops and anti-government
rebels.

Chuan said the two countries had formed a committee to discuss
last week's deadly gun battle between Lao troops and a band of
dozens of rebels, and how they could cooperate to halt the
trouble. "There is no problem between the two countries" he said.

Commentators and newspaper editorials here have urged Thailand
and Laos to work together on the border violence issue and to
stop bickering and apportioning blame.

The Laotian authorities last week lashed out at the Thai media
over coverage of the rebel attack on government buildings near
the border, accusing them of being in cahoots with the
"terrorists".