Rangoon

Rangoon's test of Taksin produced results, says a Burma watcher

The Burmese have tried to test the newly installed prime minister of Thailand and the results appear to be in their favor, says a long-time Burma observer. 

The watcher, who requested anonymity, told S.H.A.N.: "Rangoon wanted to know how Thaksin (Shinawatra) and Gen Chaovalit (Yongjaiyudh) would react to its deliberate provocation," referring to the attack by the Burmese on Sunday, 11 February, in Maesai, 444 miles north of Bangkok. "The feeble reaction by both, I believe, that they would travel to Rangoon at their earliest convenience was all the answer they needed to know before dealing with them." 

He also says there is one other message for the new government. "They would like the new foreign minister to know they're not happy with the way the Chuan administration tried to manipulate Asean against them," referring to the outgoing Surin Pitsuwan's proposed "Flexible Engagement" policy that, had it been accepted by the Association, would have allowed a member-nation to speak with a fellow member on the other's domestic matters that affected it in lieu of the currently held non-interference policy.

One other possibility, according to him, might be Vice Chairman General Maung Aye's attempt to stall ongoing dialogue between his rival, Gen Khin Nyunt and Aung San Suu Kyi that has begun since last October. "Maung Aye had been staying in eastern Shan State suspiciously too long during the last month," he says.

He also believes it is an attempt to get the Wa involved in the actual fighting against the Shans. There are about 300 Wa fighters, under druglord Wei Hsiaokang's command, who are tagging along with the Burmese units attacking the Shan State Army. 

Lt Col Kornzuen, 39, commander of the SSA's Kengtung Front, says: "It's quite hard on our men. For one thing, while we have Wa fighters of our own on our side, they (UWSA) also have Shans on their side. Both sides also realize the utter meaninglessness of fighting against each other. Our men never hesitate to fight against the Burmese (military), but against the Wa, whom all of us regard as our own countrymen, we are reluctant." 

The feeling appears to be mutual, says another observer. "The Wa hated Khun Sa, so when Rangoon said they could take any territory they won from Khun Sa, they were happy," he recalls. "But now, it's different, because neither Yawdserk nor the Wa regard each other as enemies."