Joint Thai

Joint Thai-Junta logging in southern Shan State

A Thai company has been recently engaged by the Burmese military to log teak in southern Shan State frequently, where the Burma Army has been expanding, said sources coming from across the Salween. 

Thai Sawad, a Thai logging firm that has been working in eastern Shan State since 1989, has begun its operations in Kengtawng area, Mongnai Township, Loilem District, southern Shan State, since 7 March, said sources that arrived from the area. 

According to them, the company had brought 1D-8 tractor, 4 bulldozers and 4 ten-wheelers with them. Apart from 8 company employees, there were 40 civilian sawyers with 10 saws. Security was provided by an 80-strong company from IB 66 (Namzarng) commanded by Capt. Maung Maung Oo and a 60-strong company from IB 246 (Kunhing) commanded by Capt. Saw Shwe. 

"They are looking for another 120 sawyers plus 50 saws before we left," said one source. 

Kengtawng is well-known for its Zong-arng Waterfalls (972 feet). Most of its inhabitants were forcibly relocated in 1996. 
Unconfirmed reports indicate that the Burma Army is planning to expand from its Namzarng Base into the area.