Burma reconnects electricity from Thailand

^{By Lieng Lern}
 
On 27 April 2008, EPC announced to the local people to register if they wanted to have electricity. One meter box costs Baht 7,500 ($234), wire Baht 200 ($6.25), electric fee Baht 6.25 ($0.18) per unit.
 
Following the conclusion of the draft constitution referendum on 10 May, the EPC started stretching wires to local homes.
 
However some have yet to have electricity even though they have paid their fees.
 
Many are reportedly happy with the situation.
 
"We had to pay over Baht 12 ($0.375) per unit to Tar Wai (Electricity Company) before," said a source. "Now we only need to pay Baht 6.25 ($0.18)
 
Power was cut off after the Burma-Thai military confrontation on 2001 in Tachilek Maesai area. It resumed after relations returned to normal.
 
However the two clashed again at Pakhee and Pang Maisoong, opposite Chiangmai in northern Thailand in 2002. Electricity from Thailand was cut off again.
 
Junta authorities instead engaged a local ethnic Chinese U Tar Wai to supply power to the town. "It was expensive," said a resident. "One meter box alone cost Baht 30,000 – 35,000 ($937.5 -1,093.75)."