Thai Army chief ordered a nationwide crackdown on Burmese minority and anti-Rangoon groups ( BKK Post ) January 25, 2003

Thai Army chief ordered a nationwide crackdown on Burmese minority and anti-Rangoon groups

Source : Bangkok Post

Thailand Army chief Gen Somdhat Attanand has ordered a nationwide crackdown on Burmese minority people and anti-Rangoon groups in Thailand ahead of his Jan 31-Feb 1 visit to Burma.

Gen Somdhat said the army had a policy to suppress illegal immigrants and anti-Rangoon minority groups along the Thai-Burmese border, especially in Kanchanaburi's border areas overseen by the Surasi task force.

``We will not allow anyone to use Thailand in their moves against neighbouring countries. What the Surasi task force is doing is right,'' he said.

He said he had instructed other army task forces along the border to take action against any illegal immigrants.

The Burmese military's allegation that Thailand supported the Shan State Army to ambush Burmese troops opposite Chiang Rai's Mae Fa Luang district on Jan 17 was caused by misunderstandings.

``No one supported them, I insist. We will not allow anybody, Shan people or any other groups, to use Thai territory as a base for moving against our neighbours,'' Gen Somdhat said.

He will visit Burma on Jan 31 and Feb 1 for meetings with Burmese Prime Minister Gen Than Shwe, State Peace and Development Council first secretary Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and army chief Gen Maung Aye.