Border agencies instructed to look out for gun smuggling along Myanmar border

PHOTO: skyandsea876/Flickr

Thai border agencies have been instructed to be even more vigilant along the border with Myanmar to ensure weapons aren’t smuggled out of the Land of Smiles.

Defence spokesman Lt Gen Kongcheep Tantrawanich says the order was handed down from Deputy PM Prawit Wongsuwon amid recent reports that arms dealers were smuggling military-grade weapons into Myanmar where fighting between the ruling and rebel forces has increased. Kongcheep says the DPM ordered security intelligence agencies to focus on gathering information on the sources of the weapons, as well as the transportation routes used, and the financial channels that smugglers used.

The Bangkok Post says recent arrests of gunrunners in Chon Buri showed a web of connections that extended to state officials. Kongcheep adds that the investigation has grown, without providing further details on what the growth entailed. The spokesman adds that Prawit says Thailand does not condone violence in any form in Myanmar. Prawit has ordered military, police, and other officials to increase their security efforts concerning their weapons and explosives to ensure nothing is stolen.

Prawit says, via the spokesman, that he wants units that have had weapons stolen from to be investigated further; apprehend whoever was responsible, and retrieve the stolen weapons before the guns are used for violence.

Related news

Recently, 2 defence corps volunteers were arrested for their alleged involvement in stealing defence corps guns.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post

NewsThailand News

Thaiger Talk

Join the conversation and have your say on Thailand news published on The Thaiger.

Thaiger Talk is our new Thaiger Community where you can join the discussion on everything happening in Thailand right now.

Please note that articles are not posted to the forum instantly and can take up to 20 min before being visible. Click for more information and the Thaiger Talk Guidelines.

Jack Connor

Jack is from the USA, has a B.A. in English, and writes on a variety of topics. He lives in Thailand.

Related Articles