Shan general elected leader of Shans in Thailand

Shan general elected leader of Shans in Thailand

Bangkok-based Shans have recently voted a retired Thai general, a native of Maehongson, as their new leader, reported members of the Tai Union on Sunday (23 June). 

Gen Phon Wanakamon, who turns 60 on 17 August, was chosen without a vote of dissent on 3 March, following a sound-out meeting on 15 February, they said. 

"I'm determined to repay my debt of gratitude not only to the land of my birth (Phaendin Kerd), he told S.H.A.N. later, "but also to my blood heritage (Chart kamnerd)". 

The general, who still retains a boyish look, had fought in Vietnam, Rongkla, Khaokhaw and along the Cambodian border in his youth. He had also served under the Crown Prince in the Royal Guards Division prior to his appointment as Deputy Commander of the Third Army under Gen Wattanachai Chaimuenwong. 
He is married to Jittima Wanakamon, Director of the Nursing Service, Vibhavadee Hospital. 

"Shans are not trusted (by the Burmese military) because of Thailand," he reasoned. "Thailand also is not trusted by them because of Shans. Unfortunately, most Thai leaders are not aware of this obvious fact." 
He said he wanted Tai Union under his leadership to become a national organization. "My basic approach to this is that every Shan is useful to the society each in his or her own way." 

Tai Union was founded in 1980.