Thailand has pledged to work closely with Laos to maintain stricter border controls during the 25th SEA Games, to be held in Vientiane in December.

The Thai-Lao General Border Sub-Committee (Sub-GBC), a Thai body working to uphold border security, committed last week to intensify management of the movement of people and vehicles and increase inspections to help boost security during the games.

The commitment was made in response to a request by the Lao Sub-GBC at the 41st meeting between the two committees in Luang Prabang province.

The meeting minutes were signed by the vice presidents of the two committees, Colonel Khamkeo Sanbounkhounxay of Laos and Major General Aswin Jamsuwan of Thailand, in a move to further smoothen border traffic and prevent security breaches during the games, the first major regional sports event of its kind to be held in Laos.

The two committees agreed to enrich working relations and cooperation within the scope of their duties and responsibilities.

The meeting encouraged provincial border officials in both countries’ contiguous provinces to regularly communicate and hold annual talks where Sub-GBC members would also be invited to attend.

It was agreed that security officials of each country should not encroach on the other’s territory, except in humanitarian cases requiring the rescue of people in danger on the Mekong River . In these situations border patrols are required to inform their counterparts immediately.

Both sides will continue the regular exchange of information to assist with the prevention and suppression of human trafficking, illegal labour and drug smuggling.

The officials agreed to work together to address the issue of citizens holding two national identification cards, stating that only one ID card must be held per person.

Both sides also committed to work in their territory and jointly prevent and suppress the movements of groups wishing to mar bilateral relations between the two nations.

The meeting reaffirmed that the repatriation of illegal Lao migrants must be carried out under a bilateral cooperation framework without any interference from third parties.

T he Thai side confirmed it would repatriate the remaining 4,000 illegal migrants held in its Phetchabun province detention camp and more than 150 being held in the Nong Khai province detention camp by the end of this year.
The meeting agreed to enhance relations further and continue exchange visits by leaders and high-ranking officials from the Defence and Public Security ministries.

By Souksakhone Vaenkeo
September 28, 2009
Vientiane Times