Maehongson chief goes to Taunggyi

Thai-Burma Relations

Maehongson chief goes to Taunggyi

Hopes to open border

An 18-men delegation led by Maehongson governor left for Mandalay yesterday, 6 May, with the aim to discuss with Burmese authorities how the border between Maehongson and Burma's Shan-Kayah areas could be opened soon, said sources from Maehongson. His destination is Taunggyi, the Shan State's capital.

Among the delegation were chiefs of districts whose administrative areas adjoin Burma's Kayah (Karenni) and Shan states, provincial heads of police, customs and immigration as well as the president of the provincial chamber of commerce, Somchai Siddhisantikul. The team flew into Burma by Air Mandalay.

Separate workshops entitled Asean Economic Cooperation have already been organized by Maehongson commerce department, to be held in Mandalay (7 May) and Taunggyi (9 May), according to the tentative programme received by S.H.A.N. today. The delegation is scheduled to be back on Tuesday, 11 May.

"The main objective of the trip is to reach a successful agreement on the opening of the Hueypheung (Thai side) - Namonlong (Burma side), which has long been one of Mr Supoj's avowed aims since he took office," said a military source who wished to remain anonymous.

Meanwhile, the third batch of used automobiles, 15 of them, had crossed into Burma on 5 May. Altogether more than 50 trucks have been allowed to move across the border since February. Negotiations for the removal had taken almost half a year.

Meanwhile, sources across the border reported that Col Win Myint, Deputy Commander of the Taunggyi-based Eastern Region Command, had toured areas opposite Muang district of Maehongson, 22-30 April. He was entertained by Col Mahaja, former Mong Tai Army officer and President of Shan State South Company throughout his stay, they said.