Another former Shan leader passes away

Another former Shan leader passes away

General

Khun Sang Khamma, well-known among former Shan resistance fighters, died of old age at his niece's home in Chiangmai's Maerim district on 26 February. He was 104. 

Khun Sang came from a noble family (family name: Taw or The House of Hornet) in the former Shan State of Zefang in China's Yunnan province, opposite Burma's northern Shan State. He had fought against the Japanese during World War II together with Sao Noi Saw Yanda (1927 - 1996). He again joined Sao Noi soon after the first banner of resistance was raised by the latter in 1958. He later served as Vice Chairman of the Shan United Revolutionary Army under Gen Gawnzoeng (1926 - 1991) before his retirement in 1973. 

Khun Sang had been a very strict self-disciplinarian, as S.H.A.N. recalls. He never took more than one spoonful of wine in the morning and then another in the evening, when S.H.A.N. editor, then a young public-relations officer, was with him as an underling, but an offer of strong drink in any party would be politely rejected. 

He left a son, whom he had not seen for several years, in China. Since 1973 until his death, he was living with his nephew, Hsang Zai, whom he loved like a son, and Nang Sway, his niece. 

His remains are kept at Chiangmai's Papao Temple. Funeral will be at 13:00 tomorrow, 1 March.