Shan leaders bid farewell to ex

Shan leaders bid farewell to ex-leader

Several Shan leaders paid respects to Sao Hsaikaew, 66, ex-commander of the defunct Shan State Army East, who was cremated at the Faharm cemetery in Chiangmai this afternoon. 

Among the 200-friends and relatives at the ceremony were Sao Sengsuk, Spokesperson for the Shan Democratic Union, Chao Tzang Yawnghwe, National Reconciliation Program and Sai Aung Mart, Vice President, Restoration Council of Shan State. 

On the Thai side, there were Lt-Gen. (Ret.) Phrom Phiunoan, former commander of Third Regional Army, and Col. (Ret.)

Thongchai Sakdisa-nguan, former Burma watcher known to most dissident leaders from Burma. 

Hsaikaew was also known by his Thai name, Boonrat Thepawong. 

N.B. For a short account of his life, please consult S.H.A.> report on 4 July # 07 - 04: