Thai army pulls out

Thai army pulls out, Burma army pulls in

As the Third Regional Army of northern Thailand began withdrawing its troops from the border areas yesterday, Burmese forces were beginning to close in on the Shan State Army that attacked and captured its former stronghold, opposite Chiangmai Province 5 days ago, said sources from the border. 

About 200 men from IB 65 and LIB 519, both from Mongton, reached Hwe Yao near the besieged Wa 57th Battalion from the 171st Brigade in Panghawk and Pang Surhtao, just 3 km north of Pang Maisoong that was seized by the SSA on 20 May. Pang Maisoong, former headquarters of Gen Kawnzoeng (1926-1991), just 2 km across the border, was taken by the Burma Army when ex-warlord Khun Sa surrendered in January 1996. 

"The Burmese are also requisitioning all motor vehicles, including farm tractors, in Mongton," reported a S.H.A.N. source from the area last night. "All porters and trucks are now being assembled in Nakawngmu and Hwe Aw." 

Both villages lead to Mongjawd, under Wa control in the west and then to the embattled Mongtaw-Monghta area. 

A border source listed the units being deployed against the Shans as follows: IB 65, IB 277, IB 133 and LIB 519 from Mongton; LIB 314 from Kengtung, and LIBs 552, 554, 579 and 590 from Monghsat. Villages also saw Burmese troops bringing along 3 "guns in wheels". "More troops and guns are coming across the Salween from Taunggyi," telephoned an excited source from Mongpan. He could not give details however. 

"The next battle might be fought around Pang Maisoong," he commented, "right near Laktaeng and Piangluang on the Thai side." 

Both villages that claimed more than a thousand houses are in Wianghaeng, a district of Chiangmai. 

Update: 

Other Burmese units reported ae: 

• IB 49, 

• LIB 333,

• LIB 527 and LIB 528. 

Facing the Burmese troops are units from the SSA's Brigades 241, 727, 757 and Kengtung together with the mobile forces: Khun Sang Tonhoong and Surh Khanfah.