Security tightened up for trade fair

Security tightened up for trade fair

Security in Tachilek across from Chiangrai has been beefed up a week before the first joint trade fair organized by Rangoon and Bangkok, Moengzay reported from Chiangrai. 

An ad hoc meeting was called by Col Than Sein, Commander of the Military Operations Command, on Friday (11 January) in Tachilek where representatives from the military, police and civil departments attended. Chairpersons of Hawngluek, Maekhao, Sansai Tai, Makahokham, Talaw, Wankawng and Poonghtoon quarters were also among the attendees. 

Apart from reinforcing the outposts outside the city, 3 militia men, 3 township peace and development officials were to assist the soldiers manning the sentry-box near the Shan Yoma Plaza, the entrance to the site of the fair each day. 

"The road also leads to the town's golf course and the (Regina) Casino," he added. 

Since then, all motor vehicles using the road had been subject to scrutiny. "Films covering the windscreens were also pulled off by the security men," he quoted one driver saying. 

The ten-day fair, 18 - 27 January, would be opened by Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, according to another source. 

The renovation of the Tachilek by the Wa Hongpang company, in anticipation of the fair, has also been delayed until next month, they said.