PM calls for upgrade of security forces to tackle crime
Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong has urged the security forces to bolster their resources so they can play a more effective role in addressing growing crime.
The leader committed to providing more financial support along with vehicles and equipment for the security forces so they can boost their capacity and ensure security and social order, amid rapid economic development.
Mr Thongsing Thammavong
Speaking in Vientiane on Friday at a meeting of the Ministry of Public Security, other ministries and provincial authorities, the premier called on the security forces to strengthen their capacity to take a leading role, saying the police must be disciplined, law-abiding and honest.
He said the authorities should respect the role played by the police and not interfere with police investigations into criminal cases, so there is a clear separation of duties.
If it is believed the police have treated anyone unfairly, those who feel they are unjustly accused can appeal in accordance with the law. If the police are found to have acted wrongly in a case, they themselves should be punished in line with the law.
Mr Thongsing said the prevention of anti-social behaviour in Laos was of the utmost importance.
To prevent moral malaise and delinquency, the police and other sectors concerned must work together. In particular, they should make sure that officials inform the public about Party policy and laws relating to national defence, security and public security, so they can play their part in this work.
The prime minister advised the sectors concerned to issue regulations to prevent guesthouses, hotels, factories and entertainment and game venues from becoming places where young people enjoy an indulgent lifestyle and commit criminal activities such as drug taking and dealing.
The sectors concerned should look into setting up vocational training schools where young people could learn useful skills so they can get jobs. This would mean they had less time for frivolous activities and at the same time could free themselves from poverty.
To prevent undesirable behaviour, officials themselves must be role models for the public, Mr Thongsing said, adding that they should not abuse their power, be corrupt, or assist people in carrying out criminal acts.
He highlighted the illegal trade in timber, which is threatening the survival of protected areas, and said government officials who are involved in this trade must be punished in line with the law.
He also called on security officials to stop the illegal import and assembly of vehicles, saying the traffic police should enforce the prime ministerial decree on road traffic to prevent accidents and ensure the smooth flow of vehicles.
Other areas that Mr Thongsing wanted security officials and the authorities to address were unauthorised gold mines and occupation of land, illegal immigrants, and the unregulated migration of people to urban areas.
