No.08 - 04/2006
18 April 2006

Politics

Wa leader takes a breather

According to several reports coming to the border, Wa leader Bao Youxiang, citing poor health, has assigned his brothers and close associates to run the day-to-day affairs of the Wa during recent meetings held in Panghsang, opposite Yunnan's Menglien.

 Filed photo: S.H.A.N.
Zhao Yilai

The two meetings took place on 17 February and 10 March, according to a Wa source. Other sources, while vague on the exact dates and other details, have agreed on three major changes:

 Filed photo: S.H.A.N.
Bao Youxiang    

Office	Caretaker
United Wa State Party (formerly headed by Zhao Yilai, who is suffering from a stroke)	Shao Minliang
Administration	Bao Youri (elder brother)
Military and Security	Bao Youliang (younger brother)

Shao Minliang	Bao Youri	Bao Youliang

Filed photo: S.H.A.N.

"Officially, Bao Youxiang is still the President of the Wa State Government and Commander-in-Chief of the United Wa State Army," said a Thai security officer, a ten-year veteran on the Thai-Burma border.

By several accounts, Bao, 58, has been suffering from a disposition caused by eating improperly cooked meat. He was said to have spent 3 months in China receiving treatment before returning to Panghsang in January in time for the Chinese New Year.

Related report: Wa "invited" to surrender, 17 April 2006.

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