Laos pledges help to track down Thai rebels

Lao authorities yesterday promised to help the Thai government track down members of the “Thai Federation” rebel group who are believed to be using the country as a hideout.

Though the current situation is not a grave concern, Lao Defence Minister Lt Gen Chansamone Chanyalath has promised officials will continue efforts to subdue any attempts to spark fresh conflict, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon said after talks with his Lao counterpart.

In September, Thai police arrested two women for distributing T-shirts with the logo of the pro-federation republican group emblazoned on them.

One woman, identified as Wannapa Khamphiphot, said she had received the T-shirts from her mother Somphit Sombathom, believed to be a member of the group still at large in Laos, according to investigators.

The 30-year-old motorcycle taxi rider was charged with sedition and violation of the constitution. She was later released on bail.

“I believe the group has only a few members,” Gen Prawit said.

“There’s no [rebel] force. It’s just a theory.”

National security was among issues that were discussed by Thai and Lao authorities during the General Border Committee meeting in Bangkok, which was co-chaired by Gen Prawit and Lt Gen Chansamone.

They agreed to deal seriously with groups considered a threat to social order in the two countries, Thai defence spokesman Khongcheep Tantravanich said after the meeting.

The participants also decided to crack down on illegal entry into the two countries, unlicensed migrant workers and human trafficking gangs as well as the drug trade, Lt Gen Khongcheep added.