Drills Across Thai border

Drills Across Thai border 

Joint military drills between Rangoon and Wa forces have been going on for more than a week now, said a Thai Burma-watcher. 

The exercises, second in a series of maneuvers that began in August in the Teneserim coastal region, were participated in by Infantry Battalions 330 and 227, among others, and the United Wa State Army's Independent Regiment commanded by Wei Hsaitang at Loi Sarmsoom (NC. 2769) in Monghsat Township, opposite Chaiprakarn District of Chiangmai Province. 

The drills began on 5 October and are due to last until 18 October. The official opening of the drills on 12 October was presided over by Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt himself, said the source. [Thai sources said it was Gen. Maung Aye, Commander in Chief of the Army]

The Chinese were also reported to be seen as observers and as weapons instructors. 

Another Thai source commented: "This may be Burma's answer to reports of Thai-American maneuvers in the north during the coming dry season."