Burma destroys Thai MSG

Published on Jun 28, 2002

continuing its anti-Thai campaign, Burma has confiscated and destroyed three tonnes of monosodium glutamate (MSG) from Thailand over the past month, state-run newspapers reported yesterday.

Burmese authorities have put a ban on the import of MSG on health grounds, saying it is harmful to people. However, smugglers have imported the chemical, widely used for cooking in the country, illegally.

Some three tonnes of MSG from Thailand, seized last month in Hpa-an township 100 kilometres west of the border opposite Mae Sot district, went up in flames, said the state-controlled New Light of Myanmar.

"The government is investigating cases of imported prohibited goods and action is being taken against those found guilty," it said.

Burma has imposed restrictions on the use of Thai commodities after the recent border tensions to demonstrate its displeasure with Bangkok. Burmese citizens who violate the ban face harsh punishment, said a Thai official who monitors Burmese affairs.

The junta has tried to discourage the use of consumer goods from Thailand, ordering its state-run companies and ethnic Wa-controlled businesses to import more from China despite higher costs, the official said.

Ordinary Burmese are complaining because of overpriced consumer goods and the closure of border crossings, he said.

Tension between the two countries flared last month after repeated exchanges of artillery fire across the border and skirmishes between government troops and Shan rebels.

Lt-General Udomchai Ongkasing, commander of the Third Army Region, said the Shan State Army (SSA) is fighting off an offensive by Rangoon's troops.

Fierce fighting is taking place near Chiang Mai's Mae Fa Luang district as the junta's troops and its allies, the United Wa State Army (UWSA), is trying to capture the SSA's stronghold at Doi Kor Muang. But is it not easy to predict when the fighting would end and who will win, he said.

The Army commander said he had ordered smoke shells to be fired to warn Burmese troops after they crossed into Thai territory.

A military source said the pro-Rangoon UWSA had mobilised more troops from Tachilek to beef up its force to help government troops in the fight against the SSA.

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