Late outspoken Shan remembered

Late outspoken Shan remembered

Politics

A memorial service was held in Bangkok yesterday, chaired by "Shan general" Gen Phon Wanakamon, for Sai Htoon, co-founder of Bangkok-based Tai Union and Europe-based Shan Democratic Union, who passed away in Burma on 21 November. 

"I have known thousands of people but have met no one like Sai Htoon", said Phon, 61, retired general from the Royal Thai Army and currently President of the Tai Union, to his family and friends who were gathered at the Shan monastery in Bangkok. "He was truly a person worthy of respect and admiration. We will remember him not only by what he did during his lifetime but also by emulating his good deeds and spirit." 

The general, upon his retirement two years ago, was invited by Sai Htoon to lead the Shans in Bangkok. He is a native Shan from Maehongson. 

Sai Htoon a.k.a Julian was born in Kengtung on 19 July 1940 of a Kachin father and Shan mother. He completed his studies at the Rangoon Institute of Technology in 1962, worked for a few years in Burma and moved to Thailand. His talent was such he was made an executive of the TOA, one of Thailand's leading paint firms. He later resigned and set up his own company. 

He died during his trip to the Kachin State to help friends set up a distillery. "He was a follower of the late Sunlun Abbot, who was regarded as an arahant (Buddhist saint) and spent hours meditating each day," recalled his son, Jeremy, 36. "I was told by his friends who were at his deathbed that he died with a mindful calm." 

On the political side, he had been known as a fervent nationalist and a friend to fighters for Democracy in Burma. He was also credited of bringing Shan exile organizations to form the Shan Democratic Union in 1996. 

But as politics go, he was not an exception. His legendary outspokenness earned him both admirers and bitter adversaries alike. "But there's an important factor that needs not be overlooked," argued one of his friends. "He spoke his mind for common good and also for the good of the person he spoke to. He was never ever a rival to anybody when it came to running for a political office and the power that came with it." 

Sai Htoon is survived by his widow, Jilly, and three children: Jeremy, Baby and Mi Mi.