Junta intelligence officer

Junta intelligence officer: Little breakthrough expected during April talks

A military intelligence officer remarked recently that he did not think the upcoming regional level talks between Rangoon and Bangkok would amount to much, according to a source from Tachilek. 

The officer from MI-24 (Tachilek branch), whose name is withheld here to protect the source, said on Friday (23 March), Given the fact that Gen Thein Sein will have to refer everything back to the top, I don't suppose there'll be any significant decisions. 

The Regional Border Committee (RBC) will meet on 2-4 April and co-chaired by Maj- Gen Thein Sein, Commander, Triangle Region Command (Eastern Shan State) and Lt-Gen Wattanachai Chaimuenwong, Commander, Third Regional Army (northern Thailand) in Kengtung. 

The gate on the Burmese side of the Friendship Bridge between Tachilek and Maesai, Chiangrai, is still welded and Joint patrols by Burmese and Wa troops west of Tachilek to prevent attacks by Shan State Army of Yawdserk are being carried out each night, said the source. 

Foodstuffs for Tachilek such as chicken, fruit and vegetables are being transported from Kengtung each day.