Thailand, Laos prepare for border provinces meeting

VIENTIANE, Sept 27 (TNA) -- Senior administrative officials of Thailand and Laos met to prepare a meeting of governors of their border provinces which had not happened for four years, to solve human trafficking and narcotics along the border. Prayoon Ratanaseni, deputy permanent secretary of the Thai Ministry of Interior, led his delegation to meet that of Sisavath Keomalavong, chief of the General Department of Police of the Lao Ministry of Security. They prepared for the 10th meeting of governors of Thai-Lao border provinces. “The governments of both sides intend to promote bilateral relations and mutual support in all areas,” Mr Prayoon said. The lifestyles of Thai and Lao people along their common borders were bonded as there were 48 official border crossings and four bridges across the Mekong River linking both countries, he said. He hopes that the upcoming meeting would help both countries tackle human trafficking, narcotics and transnational crime effectively. “I believe that this round of cooperation will better protect the life of people living along the border,” Mr Prayoon said. Brig Gen Sisavath said the upcoming meeting would have new atmosphere after it had stopped for a long time due to different viewpoints. “I admit that there are problems along the Thai-Lao border including illegal migration, narcotics, human trafficking and prostitution. There will be joint efforts to solve them. Opinions will be exchanged straightforwardly for successful solutions,” he said. (TNA)