Burmese troops move into Mongyawn

Burmese troops move into Mongyawn

Burmese troops have entered Mongyawn, a hitherto exclusively Wa territory since 1996, said several border sources on Wednesday (23 January). 

Two companies from IB 65 (Mongton) took up positions in 361, the former Southern Wa HQ, and the border pass opposite Santondu (Mae Ai District, Chiangmai province), according to a Border Patrol Police source. The arrival of two other companies from LIB 333 (Monghsat) were also reported. 

The two units from IB 65 companies 2 and 4, were commanded by Capt. Maung Myint and Lt-Zaw Aye respectively and those from LIB 333 were commanded by Maj. Nyo Win. 

The date of their arrival was 16 January according to one source, but the BPP source put it earlier. 

Sources from Maehongson also reported the increased presence of Burmese forces in Homong. "Before there were only Infantry Battalions 66 and 99 and Light Infantry Battalions 429 (Bawlake) and 510 (Taunggyi), but now we are also seeing battalions 422, 511, 524, 248 and 249," he said. 

Unconfirmed reports said the Wa force in Sankarng (opposite Loi Tai Leng, the Shan State Army stronghold opposite Maehongson) was being ordered to move back to Mongtaw-Monghta area, opposite Wianghaeng district, Chiangmai province, and those in Mongyawn to move into its place. "The 171th Division had been there for over a year and hadn't done any fighting. Maybe the Burmese want Wei Hsaitang's 894th Brigade to do something concrete," said one source. 

This was the second time in five years that the Wa were being ordered to move out of Mongyawn. "The meeting between Wei Hsiaokang and Gen Khin Nyunt in Tachilek on 17 January and the latter's whirlwind visit to Mongton and Monghsat two days later might have something to do with the latest move," commented a border watcher. 

Although details of the directive were not clear, the Wa along the border were noticeably disturbed. The next day on 20 January, a Wa officer told a S.H.A.N. source that he had just received orders form Panghsang "to put our troops on the alert." 

A Lahu source in Nakawngmu, Mongton township, opposite Chiangdao district of Chiangmai, was also reported to have been informed by Wa friends, "You might not be celebrating your New Year if trouble breaks out between the Burmese (army) and us." 

The Lahu New Year falls on 12 February. 

Some Thai border watchers however were not bothered by the reports. "I don't see why the Burmese should choose to get tough with the Wa at this time," said one. "The only reason that I can think of is that Rangoon must be badly in need of funds. So if the Wa are ready to hand over a sheaf of greenbacks, I'm sure everything will quiet down in a while." 

Meanwhile, the Wa southern commander Pao Yuyi, was reported to have met again with MR Ditsanadda Ditsakul, director of the royal project in Mae Fa Luang District, Chiangrai, on 22 January at Tonnam Guesthouse in Mae Fa Luang, although no details were made available. It was reported later yesterday that the Thai survey team had been escorted to the Yawngkha project site across Mae Fa Luang yesterday by Pao Yuyi.