Shan commanders lament

Shan commanders lament

Development for Wa 

A commander from the embattled Shan State Army has expressed concern over the possible removal of its forces from the border area that has been marked for a B. 20 million crop substitution program due to be launched by Thailand next year. 

The officer, who wished to be anonymous, said, "Moving out from the area does not pose a military problem. We've been trained to fight in any kind of situation. But how do we reply to questions from our rank and file like 'why are troublemakers being rewarded and partners against their trouble-making being thrown out like dirt?'". 

He was referring to the present Thai administration's offer to develop the areas recently resettled by Wa people from the Chinese border, a program that had displaced thousands of local people. Wa are renowned as the biggest producers of heroin and methamphetamine. 

According to the latest report, Wa representatives, who met with Thai officials on Friday (21 December) had proposed a further change of the project site from Mongtoom to Nayao further south and nearer to Pangnoon, the scene of fierce fighting in February in Mae Fa Luang District, Chiangrai province. During the landmark visit made by Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Secretary-1 of the ruling military council, in September, Thailand had offered to help develop Mongyawn, the Wa stronghold across from Mae Ai District, Chiangmai province. At a later meeting, Rangoon had proposed changing it to Mongtoom. 

Mongyawn, Mongtoom and Nayao are all in Monghsat township. 

The SSA enclave, Loi Kawwan, is located near Pangnoon. So far Burmese attempts to occupy it have ended in failure. 

"Development in the area means killing two birds with one stone," commented a Thai officer. "The SSA may have to move out of the area." 

A Shan ceasefire group commander also echoed the SSA's remark. "We don't need to tell anyone how Kokang and Wa have enriched themselves," he told S.H.A.N. "But while Kokang are being assisted by the Japanese, Wa have been getting support from the UN Drug Control Program. Now come the Thais with another aid package. In the meanwhile, nobody knows or cares we exist." 

A Thai border watcher, however, said it would take some time before the Thai proposal was translated into a project approved by all concerned. "The SSA has the right to demand a participatory role in the process." 

He however did not think the project would amount to anything more than a political ploy. "The Burmese will become a laughing stock in the eyes of its own people, if the Thai project turns out to be a success. Moreover, Burma's historic enemy will become Burma's benefactor," he said. "I'm not sure the present regime with its known mind-set will like it." 

Related report: 

300 Burmese prisoners have, since last month, been building a road from Mongtoom through Htalang, Monghawm and Nayao to Pangnoon.