Junta on a spree for porters

Junta on a spree for porters

Thai Burmese hostilities

The hostilities that broke out between Thai and Burmese troops at dawn early today (11 February) sent local junta troops on a frantic hunt for forced porters, according to sources from across the border.

The fighting that began a little after 05:00 (Bangkok time) this morning at the disputed hill of Kuthinayong (Kusinara in Pali) between Shan State's Tachilek and Thailand's Mae Sai was followed by junta troops picking up unsuspecting civilians, both male and female, along Tachilek streets, they said.

"The Burmese (authorities) had already demanded that each ward provide porters for the army," said one source.

Tachilek has seven administrative wards.

Thousands have already fled the city to the surrounding villages since morning. About 1,000 are reported to be in Hsaimong Temple of Rev. Sengla, among whose patrons is none other than Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, the powerful Secretary 1 of the ruling military council, another thousand at Loimaw Meditation Center and several hundreds at the Dawn Rueng Temple of Rev. Bonjoom in Monghpong.

Meanwhile, a Shan State Army captain, whose name is withheld here by request, reported the battle at Loi Kaw Wan, opposite Mae Faluang District, southwest of Mae Sai, was still in progress. "We saw 3 Dongfengs (East Wind, Chinese-made six-wheelers) carrying their wounded back," he said. "We let them go."

According to an unconfirmed report, Rangoon is also dispatching its well-armed LID (Light Infantry Division) 55 to the area. The Shan captain however said so far the newly arrived Burmese troops were from the neighboring Mongpyak and Monghsat townships.

Latest Information (12 February) 08:00

The guns on both sides have been silent since 19:00 last evening and Thais have reopened the Friendship Bridge on their side. The gate on the Burmese side remains closed.

Fighting between SSA and junta troops opposite Mae Faluang, however, still goes on.