Briefs

Briefs

Drugs / Wa

An 8-week long stand-off between the Burma Army and the United Wa State Army in the Namkai area along the international river of Mekong, north of Tachilek ended last week after the latter agreed to move out, according to some families of the Wa fighters who arrived in Tachilek. 

It was not known what the agreement was between Rangoon and Panghsang or how it was reached. 

The Wa unit in the area was part of the 476th Brigade a.k.a the Headquarters Guard Regiment commanded by Bao Youhwa, younger brother of Bao Youqiang, the Wa supreme leader. 

War / Business

The unofficial border checkpoint between Burma's Mongton and Thailand's Chiangmai was ordered closed for a week beginning 24 February by the are a commander from Monghsat, some 160 km from the border, resulting in the loss of income for both Wa and local Burmese units, say local sources. 

The Burmese military at Namyom (just across the border) and another at Pongpakhem (16 km further north) collected 50 baht from each traveler each way, while the Wa collected 30 baht each. In addition, the traveler needed to pay 2,000 kyat each on their return trip from Thailand. 

Transport between Pongpakhem and the Burmese checkpoint (BP-1) was 50 baht and between BP-1 and Nawng-ook on the Thai side was 300. 

It was not disclosed why the checkpoint, officially closed since May last year, was suddenly ordered completely sealed off.