Lahu agents in Thailand

Lahu agents in Thailand

Reporter: Ing

A source disclosed to S.H.A.N. today of Lahu agents being sent by Rangoon's military intelligence to northern Thailand. 

According to the source, 3 Lahus from Mongton Township, opposite Chiangmai Province, were put in charge of the intelligence operation in the 3 northern provinces, namely, Maehongson, Chiangmai and Chiangrai since October. They were U Ae Long, U Tin Win and U Abi, who would report to Maj. Thuta Sway, Chief of MI-24 in Tachilek regularly. 

Under the 3 were 10 trained operatives who would collect information in Thailand, mainly on resistance groups, especially the Shan State Army of Yawdserk. 

Their expenses (B. 80,000 per month) were paid by Maj. Thuta Sway, who held special funds "collected from the Wa's refineries", said the source. 

Lahu constitutes, together with the Wa, Palaung and Pa-O one of the major ethnics in the Shan State. They are ethnically related to Burmese, and many serve as Burmese militiamen. There is also a Lahu resistance movement called Lahu Democratic front, led by Daniel Aung, elected M.P. from Mongpiang Towngship, and is allied to the Shan State Army of Yawdserk, Wa National Army of Maha Sang, Palaung State Liberation Front of Mai Ai Phong, and Pa-O People's Liberation Organization of Hkun Okker.