Border temple reopening heralds abbot

Border temple reopening heralds abbot's passing

8 February 2003

Thai-Burma relation

The recent reopening of a Shan monastery that straddles the disputed Thai-Burma boundary was superseded by the decease of its well-respected monk on 3 February. 

The abbot, Phra Khamtoon Inthawangso of Fah Wiang Inn Temple in Chiangmai's Wiang Haeng District, better known to the populace as "Jao Pu" (Revered Grandfather), died peacefully at the age of 79. Formerly one of the few Shan resistance leaders who were born in Burma "proper", he had joined the Burma Independence Army formed by the legendary "Third Comrades" led by Aung San and served under two of its Shan members, Saw Awng and Saw Nawng from 1941-45. He also took part in the aborted peace talks with Rangoon in 1963, representing the Shan resistance bloc. He was ordained as a monk in 1981. 

Both the temple as well as its Chedi, marajina, were declared off-limits to the clergy and laypeople alike since the Pang Maisoong Battly, 20 May - 20 June, between the Shan rebels and the Burmese army. The permission to reopen it was obtained on 16 January only after a series of petitions by the local populace, almost seven months following its closure. 

Before his death, the abbot had reportedly requested both Thai and Burmese authorities to lay aside the territorial disputes and instead recognize the boundary of the temple grounds, which extends to both sides of the border and to make it a demilitazed zone. His plea is yet to be considered by either. 

In the meanwhile, the temples' adherents are quietly organizing the funeral of Phra Khamtoon to be held on 10 February under the watchful eyes of both Thai and Burmese army units nearby.