The Kuomintang

The defeat of the Kuomintang in China and its subsequent retreat into the Shan State in 1949 had given rise to several significant consequences:
• The occupation of Shan State by the Burma Army
• The rise and the fall of the Communist Party of Burma
• The enduring association with drugs

A brief outline of some events extracted from the booklet Ban Santikhiri: Doi Maesalong nai adit (1992), therefore, we hope, will be of use to the reader:

1949 300-strong 278th Regiment, 93rd Division and 400-strong 193rd Regiment, 26th Division, both of which are from the 8th Army commanded by Li Mi moved into Tachilek.
1950 Attacked by the Burma Army, Li Mi moved his base to Monghsat.
1951 Li Mi attacks communist forces in Yunnan, occupies Jenkang, Lushi and Jengma June-July, but is repulsed.
1954 Support by “Air America”

1955 New commander Liu Yuenling moves base to Kenglarb on the Mekong.

1961 Joint PLA-BA operation destroys Kenglarb. Li Wenhuan (Chai Chaisiri) of Third Army and Tuan Shiwen (Chiwan Khamlue) of Fifty Army settle in Tham Ngob and Mae Salong.

Repatriations to Taiwan

28 March 1953 Burma lodges complaint at UN. 7,785 men repatriated. Photo p-18. Lt-Col Chartichai Choonhavan at 4 nations meeting in Bangkok. (He became PM in 1988)

22 February 1961 Another UN complaint by Burma sends 4,349 men back to Taiwan.

Drugs

1967 “Opium War” at Ban Kwan, Laos. Golden Triangle becomes a household word.

1972 Opium bonfire in Maerim: Third Army, 32 tons and Fifth Army, 8 tons. US pays $ 240 for each kg.

Ex-Kuomintang fights Thai communists
1970-74 Operations in Doiluang, Doiyao and Doi Phamon in Chiangrai.
1981 Operations in Khaoya and Khao-Khaw in Petchbun

23 May 1980 General Tuan passes away. He is succeeded by Gen Lui Yitien (Arun Charoenthangjanya)