BKK Post / 23 October 1997  
Laos likely to free Thai officers today  

By Teerawat Khumtita and Bhanravee Tansubhapol
Chiang Rai

   Six immigration police officers held in Laos for two 
weeks are expected to be freed today, the foreign minister 
said yesterday.
   The development followed talks between officials from 
Chiang Rai, where the six were based, and from the Lao 
province of Bo Keo, said Prachuab Chaiyasarn.
   Vijarn Chaiyanan, the Chiang Rai governor, said Laos had 
agreed to return the six if damages claims were settled in 
talks today with Soukanh Maharath, head of Bo Keo, in 
Huayxay, the provincial seat.
   Mr Prachuab said Thailand had agreed to release one Lao 
and would help the families of two other Lao who are 
missing, feared drowned.
   The immigration men, arrested on Oct 7 on charges of 
illegal entry, had been engaged in an operation involving 
six Lao vessels thought to be carrying contraband beer.
   During the operation, the crews of four vessels made it 
back from the Kok River in Chiang Rai into Lao waters, 
bringing the six with them.
   Earlier, Laos demanded the return of the two boats, 
80,000 baht for repairs and compensation for the death of a 
crew member.