Bombed town still under watchful eyes

Bombed town still under watchful eyes

Thai-Burma relations

Days after the still unexplained bomblasts in Tachilek on 21 May and an ambuscade by unknown attackers on a fuel convoy the following day, Thai border security officials continue to keep the town under close surveillance, according to sources in Mae Sai. 

"We are requesting for more reports on the follow-up events," said one officer, "and when they come, we check, re-check and cross-check before transmitting them to Bangkok." 

Many were found to be untrue, such as 
Thai nationals killed during the attack on convoy outside Tachilek, 21 May 
Bombings in Mandalay and Taunggyi, 21 May 
Attack on the bridge in Talerh, 22 May 

Some border watchers, meanwhile, are curious about what they termed as the complete turnabout of Burmese behavior. "Since the end of the Pang Maisoong Battle (20 May - 20 June 2002), we had received several reports about impending attacks on the Shan State Army, and none came true," elaborated one. "April and May have been taken for granted as an offensive season, but this year, the Burmese thoroughly fooled us by not mounting an attack." 

Sources also pointed out other examples. "In the past, the Burmese were predictable. Suppose there were an attack along the border, first they would accuse us as supporting the rebels and close down the border. We would ask what's going on and they would reply there was no official sanction from Rangoon to tell us anything," explained another. "But this time, no blames have been attached to us and despite our businessmen's initial concern, the border has not been closed. Besides, they were volunteering information without even waiting for our request." 

"They may have changed the rules of the game," remarked another officer in Chiangmai. "And that is enough reason for us to keep our eyes open." 

The border was closed for five months following the Shan-junta shoot-out last year.