Shans support Shans

Shans support Shans

Shan exiles in Thailand have been bringing supplies and cash assistance to the embattled Shan army across Chiangrai, said its commander this morning. 

"Thanks to the media's kind coverage of our Army's struggle against drugs and the Burmese military, Shan-exiles in Thailand have been visiting us every day with food, clothing, medicine and even cash donations," said Lt-Col Kawnzuen, 39, Commander, Kengtung Front Army of the Shan State Army on the telephone. 

He noted that it was quite different from December 1999 when he was fighting against junta troops in the nearby Maemaw, also across Mae Faluang District, Chiangrai Province. " People, except those around the immediate environs, did not take much notice. It was as though fighting against the Burmese was just a routine affair," he said. 

He told S.H.A.N. laughingly that all of his men were eating so much meat every day that many of them had already been yearning for vegetables instead. "One villager from Ban Therdthai alone brought 3 full grown pigs for our consumption," he said. 

The Kengtung Front is facing 11 battalions (9 Burmese and 2 Wa). The Burmese had reportedly brought several mortars, both 81 mm and 120 mm, and also some 105 mm howitzers. The 55th light infantry Division, brought from Kalaw, is reported to be in Kengtung already. 

"Our troops' morale is high," he said before ringing off. "We don't seek trouble but we are ready for it."