Bangkok: Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Phumtham Vejjayachai emphasized the importance of collaboration with neighboring countries to tackle drug sources, following comments by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra regarding the drug issue in the Wa Red group area. Thaksin suggested that if Myanmar is unable to address the issue, external intervention may be necessary. Phumtham highlighted the necessity of evaluating the conditions and limitations between the two countries to find viable solutions. The operational aspects are being examined to address this concern.

According to Thai News Agency, Phumtham confirmed that the policy of seeking cooperation from neighboring countries to suppress drug activities will remain unchanged. During a recent visit to Laos, he discussed the drug problem and sought cooperative efforts, which received consensus as the issue poses a common threat to the region.

In response to Thaksin’s remarks on assessing the Key Performance Indicators (KPI) of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), which has a budget exceeding 7 billion baht for addressing drug problems and issues in the southern border provinces, Phumtham suggested that this matter should be discussed with Thaksin. He acknowledged that Thaksin’s views are based on his experience and thoughts from past actions. Phumtham noted the importance of evaluating appropriateness before proceeding, considering Thaksin’s opinions alongside those of others.