BKK Post, April 9, 1998. Efforts to

[burma@xxxxxxxxxx]

April 9, 1998. Efforts to map out Burmese border begin to take shape
                      Surveying to start at shifting river site 
                      Bhanravee Tansubhapol

Burma has agreed to begin demarcating the border with Thailand starting 
with a disputed area that is subject to shifts during the rainy season, 
Deputy Foreign Minister Sukhumbhand Paribatra said yesterday.

Speaking after returning from Rangoon, M.R. Sukhumbhand believed an 
"initial understanding" could be established at the Wat Prathat Koke 
Chang Pheuak and Ban Mae Konekane area in Tak province before the rains 
begin.

The disputed spot in the Moei River was among three areas identified as 
needing priority attention before demarcation work proceeded on the rest 
of the 2,401-kilometre border between the two countries. Ban I-Tong in 
Kanchanaburi province, on the route of the Thai-Burmese gas pipeline, 
and Doi Lang in Chiang Rai province were the other two.

Burma agreed on the need to speed the establishment of a joint technical 
committee to begin work in these problem areas, M.R. Sukhumbhand said.

He also discussed the Democratic Karen Buddhism Army, drugs, displaced 
persons, illegal labour, and Thai prisoners in Burma during talks with 
Deputy Foreign Minister Nyunt Swe, Foreign Minister Ohn Gyaw and Lt-Gen 
Khin Nyunt, secretary one of the ruling State Peace and Development 
Council.

Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt emphasised that Rangoon did not support the DKBA, 
considered them an illegal force, and made clear that Thailand was free 
to do as it deemed fit if they trespassed on Thai soil, M.R. Sukhumbhand 
said.

The two sides agreed to draft an "action plan" for cooperation in 
narcotics suppression. M.R. Sukhumbhand stressed that drugs was a 
problem for both societies, as well as a worldwide scourge, and that 
close Thai-Burmese cooperation would secure a more "constructive" 
international opinion of the two countries.

Burma agreed to hasten the setting up of a joint sub-committee on 
displaced persons and illegal labour. M.R. Sukhumbhand explained that 
Thailand had decided to involve the UNHCR in assisting displaced Karens 
in order to secure their voluntary repatriation. Burma agreed to take 
back illegal workers without insisting on the condition that they be 
ethnic Burmese.

Burma agreed to be "flexible" on a case by case basis towards the 100 
Thai prisoners being held in the country. M.R. Sukhumbhand asked 
permission for the Thai embassy in Rangoon to visit prisoners being held 
in the provinces.

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