Thailand-Myanmar to focus on anti-terrorim efforts

BANGKOK, Jan 26 (TNA) -- Thai Army Chief said his visit to Myanmar as the guest of the Myanmar Army between January 23-25 went well, as cooperation on many fronts has been established, noting that both Thailand and Myanmar have given importance to terrorism. Army Chief Gen Chalermchai Sittisart further informed that he had met with his Myanmar counterpart during his visit and both sides had discussed various issues, including the pushing for more cooperation and operation in line with the agreements worked out at the last High Level Committee (HLC) meeting, in which both countries' supreme commanders had inked the agreement last year, such as joint patrols, providing of medical aid, and joint forces along the Moei River. The Thai army chief noted Myanmar has expressed extreme concerned on the movements of Islamic State (IS) jihadist militant group, though evidence is still unclear of how they are moving in the region, prompting for information exchanges between both neighbours constantly, as both sides are aware that terrorism must be strictly dealt with and prevented. At the same time, Myanmar has also asked Thailand to send in physicians to participate in the ASEAN Medical Officer project, requesting Thailand to relay its knowledge on the technology to help treat heart disease. Myanmar has also voiced its desire to send in military officers to learn about the His Majesty late King Bhumibol's Sufficiency Economy Philosophy in Huay Hong Krai of Chiang Mai province, as well as asked for Thailand's support in helping to create peace between the government and minority groups in Myanmar. Thailand has asked Myanmar to move back its bases from the border line by 500 metres, as well as for Myanmar to take back refugees, currently numbering at around 90,000 persons in all seven migrant centres in the country. (TNA)