Bangkok: 'Phumtham' sails the Mekong River, checking the coordinates of drug trafficking routes from neighboring countries, emphasizing that intelligence work is key. The Prime Minister has approved the use of the central budget to purchase special equipment to accelerate drug suppression efforts. The Commander of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau revealed that the fee for transporting drugs across the Mekong River is 20,000 baht per trip, and SEAL units are being deployed to monitor and arrest in areas with dense drug networks. He has asked 'Phumtham' to coordinate with the Ministry of Interior to quickly organize boat regulations.
According to Thai News Agency, after a Mobile Council meeting, Mr. Phumtham Vejjayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, along with General Snitchanok Sangkhachan, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defense, and Rear Admiral Narong Emdee, Commander of the Mekong Riverine Peacekeeping Unit, boarded the Soc-R riverine patrol vessel along the Mekong River at Ban Hom Public Park, At Samat Subdistrict, Mueang District.
Mr. Phumtham sailed across the 3rd Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge near Ban Wen Phra Bat, a risky area for illegal activities where several arrests have been made. Meanwhile, Rear Admiral Narong, commander of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, noted that drug delivery points along the riverbank have ramps and wires to signal transporters, who receive a fee of 20,000 baht upon delivery completion.
Rear Admiral Narong further mentioned the lack of patrolling equipment, including thermal imaging and night vision cameras, which necessitates random inspections and reliance on intelligence. Intelligence measures have led to the seizure of over 100,000 methamphetamine pills in Ubon Ratchathani Province, highlighting the importance of coordinated efforts on both the Thai and Lao sides.
Rear Admiral Narong requested Mr. Phumtham's assistance in registering ships, with almost 100 percent of data obtained so far. The use of national flags, painted symbols, and registration numbers on nearly 4,000 ships serves as a deterrent, enabling tracking when offenses are committed. Mr. Phumtham confirmed that many ships have been registered.
For ambush operations, Rear Admiral Narong stated that SEAL units will be deployed for special missions in challenging areas with strong drug networks. Mr. Phumtham stressed that intelligence is crucial in these efforts.
Mr. Phumtham added that intelligence work has resulted in significant drug arrests. However, regulatory issues have delayed the procurement of necessary equipment like night vision and thermal imaging cameras. He has instructed General Nattapol Nakphanit to expedite discussions with General Pana Klaewplodthuk to resolve these issues and has informed the Prime Minister, who has agreed to the use of the central budget.
The Narcotics Suppression Bureau, a special task force of the navy, is tasked with suppressing illegal activities along the border, covering 8 provinces from Chiang Rai to Ubon Ratchathani along the 928-kilometer Mekong River. The bureau organizes personnel and equipment for land, water patrols, and ambush operations, resulting in significant drug seizures in the Northeast.