BORDER TENSIONS: 20,000 join anti-Thai demonstration in Burma

Published on Jun 3, 2002

Protesters in minority garb denounce Bangkok's support for 'separatists'

In the latest development in worsening relations with Rangoon, more than 20,000 people dressed in the traditional attire of Burma's minorities gathered at a sports stadium in Burma on Saturday to protest against alleged Thai backing of separatist militias.

The anti-Thai demonstration, seen on Burmese television at border areas yesterday, was against alleged Thai intervention in Burmese internal affairs by supporting rebellious minorities, notably the Karen National Union and the Shan State Army.

Speakers at Saturday's rally, held in Kengtung in Shan state, 1,100km northeast of Rangoon, recalled the centuries-old rivalry between Thailand and Burma, and accused Thailand of trying to destabilise Burma.

A war of words has erupted over military skirmishes on the border last week.

"It is known to all that Yodaya throughout history, has given assistance to any insurgents who would give trouble to Burma with intent to make Burma weak, undeveloped and unstable," one speaker said, using the Burmese word for Thailand's former capital, Ayutthaya, when referring to the Kingdom.

Ayutthaya was destroyed by invading Burmese forces in 1767.

"Yodaya has rendered assistance to any armed insurgents in Burma. Yodaya provides them with arms, food and shelter. Yodaya also helped them in recruitment," the speaker said.

"We must bravely crush those who are harming the sovereignty along the border area and wipe out all destructive activities of insurgents," she urged the crowd, which included villagers, representatives of social groups, the Burmese Red Cross and the fire brigade.

Meanwhile, on the border in Chiang Mai province, Thai officials said a police patrol had exchanged fire with a group of 20 men believed to be from the United Wa State Army.

Vanich Thuechok, 43, a policeman, was killed in the clash.

Meanwhile, in another development, Burma ordered at least 500 Thai labourers back to Thailand it was reported yesterday.

About 200 Thais working at construction sites and a resort in Tachilek, a town opposite Mae Sai district, were ordered to return late last week, and another 300 Thai labourers were expelled from a coal mine opposite Prachuap Khiri Khan province, an official told Associated Press on condition of anonymity yesterday.

The Nation, Agencies

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