Junta calls off border exercises ( The Nation ) August 13, 2002


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Junta calls off border exercises

Published on Aug 13, 2002

Burmese military exercises that were set to begin today have been called off, apparently in response to improving relations between Thailand and Rangoon's junta, said a Thai military intelligence officer stationed at the border.

About 200 Burmese troops who were to have participated in the exercises remained at their base camp in Hua Muang, a former stronghold of opium warlord Khun Sa.

Khun Sa surrendered to the military government of Burma in 1995 in return for amnesty.

The exercise was reportedly planned weeks ago during a war of words between Thailand and the junta, following weeks of border clashes between Thai and Burmese troops. Anti-Rangoon Shan soldiers and militia from the United Wa State Army, a pro-Rangoon outfit, were also fighting.

Thai Army officers stationed along the border said the decision to cancel the military exercises was a sign that relations were improving between the two countries following a fence-mending trip to Rangoon by Foreign Minister Surakiart Sathirathai.

However, the officers warned that the problems along the border - drugs, insurgencies, human trafficking and refugee movements - remained unresolved.

Hua Muang is adjacent to Mae Hong Son province's Ban Huay Phung and about two hours away from the provincial capital.

Although closely monitored by Burmese intelligence officials, Thai merchants are permitted to transport goods to the Hua Muang market. The cost of fuel and other household goods skyrocketed in Burmese border towns after the border was closed because of rising tensions there.

THE NATION

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