Villagers pleased with mock evacuation

Villagers pleased with mock evacuation

Villagers in northern Thailand expressed their satisfaction with the evacuation exercise that was held yesterday in the midst of reports about impending conflict escalation along the Thai-Burma border. 

The mock exodus of people from 4 villages in Tambon Piangluang, Wianghaeng District, 160 kms northwest of Chiangmai, opposite Mongton Township of Burma's Shan State, was participated in by 420 villagers under the auspices of the Phamuang Force of the Third Regional Army. The closing ceremony was presided over by its commander, Maj. Gen. Nakhorn Sripetchphand. 

Somboon Khamhuang, headman of Laktaeng Village, told S.H.A.N., "It has profound meaning for us. It means that the authorities are not going to leave us to ourselves when the time comes for us to flee from our homes." 

Some said the actual evacuation would not be quite as orderly and questioned the practicability of the drill. But Somboon disagreed. "At least all of us now know where we can gather to wait for evacuation," he insisted. 

Another agreed with Somboon. "The real thing may not be quite the same. But the exercise has made us think seriously what we should bring with us when are forced to leave our homes. Now we know there are at least two things we should not forget: our money and our identification." 

Lieutenant Adisorn Nanthachaiyaphand, District Officer of Chiangmai, told the villagers on 10 June," We lost some precious lives in Maesai when fighting broke out there (on 11 February), just because we were not prepared." 

Military sources said they expected a Burmese offensive against Yawdserk's stronghold, Loi Taileng, opposite Pang Mapha District, Maehongson Province during the next dry season, November 2001-April 2002. "The Homong-Nakawngmu road, opposite Wianghaeng and Pai district (of Maehongson) will be congested with traffic, resulting in ambushes and counter-attacks that might spill over into Thailand."