Shans Mark Anniversary of Leader

Shans Mark Anniversary of Leader's Death

A ceremony was held in Piangluang, a border town in Wianghaeng District, Chiangmai Province, on 11 July, to commemorate the death of General Kornzurng Chanasuek 8 years ago. It was attended by both Shan and Chinese villagers who had known him and respected him. 

"Khun Sa managed to build up a strong army only through Kornzurng", said a Chinese villager. "Without the trust that the people had in Kornzurng, Khun Sa wouldn't have been able to recruitens of thousands of Shans into an army that he headed. After Kornzurng's death, Khun Sa's grip on both the army and the people broke. I'd say Kornzurng's death really marked the beginning of the end of the Mong Tai Army". 

The Mong Tai Army, boasted by Khun Sa as 45,000 strong, disintegrated in 1995 after a mutiny led by Garnyord. It was formed jointly by Kornzurng, who had "the heart and the soul" of the people, and Khun Sa, who had "the cash" in 1985.