New roads to the border ordered built

New roads to the border ordered built

The Burmese military has recently issued orders to have two new roads constructed opposite the province of Chiangrai within 6 months, reported a border watcher this morning. 

One of them, from the Wa forward headquarters of Nayao under Tamerng in Mongkarn Tract, Monghsat Township, to the village of Ah-kawng, is opposite Pang Noon in Mae Fa Luang District and would be 10-12 miles long after completion. 

Another one, 29-30 miles long, is to be built from Nampoong, a village west of Tachilek under the control of Lahu militia leader Yishay to Pakurh, opposite Mae Maw village in Mae Fa Luang District. 

"Not only SSA (Shan State Army) controlled strongholds of Loi Kawwan and Loi Kawhawm but all villages along the Thai border will be placed in danger," he said. 

According to him, Maj.-Gen. Thein Sein, Commander, Triangle Region Command, had on 20 July, issued the order from his headquarters in Kengtung. "Only by securing communications along the border will we be able to react in time to any foreign incursions," he was reported to have said. 

The Burmese have been especially cagey since Task Force 399, an anti-drug special unit trained by the Americans, was established in Chiangmai early this year, he said.