Thaksin to push Yangon to reconcile

Thaksin to push Yangon to reconcile

THAILAND: Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said on Monday he would urge Myanmar's military junta during talks next month to speed up reconciliation with ethnic rebel groups, some of whom are blamed for running drug operations in border areas between the two countries.

Thaksin, who is scheduled to visit Yangon on Feb. 9 and Feb. 10, said the political conflict in Myanmar, ethnic rebellions and poverty were the root causes of drug production.

Most drugs produced in Myanmar, mainly heroin and methamphetamines, find their way into Thailand before being smuggled to other countries.

The Thai government has announced a major campaign beginning Feb. 1 to eradicate the growing drug problem.

Thai officials privately accuse Myanmar's military rulers of turning a blind eye to the drug lords, who operate in virtually autonomous regions. --AFP