Another false alarm

Another false alarm, says rebel leader

Shan State Army 'South' leader Col Yawdse, brushed off speculations of an imminent all-out attack by the Burma Army yesterday, despite reports of unusual troop movements and concentrations around his Loi Kawwan base, opposite Chiangrai, during the past week. 

While acknowledging that an eventual showdown was unavoidable between the two, he said he did not think there would be a major attack against his strongholds as yet. "The continued buildup around our bases clearly indicates its intention to wipe us out," he commented. "But recent movements are, I think, only red herrings. We are permitted to hear which and which Burmese units are arriving but not which and which units are returning to their parent bases." 

Maj Siri, his chief aide, was also of the opinion that recent maneuvers in Monghsat and Tachilek were but an expression of displeasure at Thailand siding with other nations in demanding the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, the Burmese democracy movement leader who has been detained since late last month. "The message to the Thais is clear: stop acting tough or we'll start a war and close off the border. Then what will your business people say?" 

A northern Thai chamber of commerce had reported that the five-month closure of the border checkpoints last year had cost a 5 billion baht loss in the cross-border trade. 

Border sources, both Thai and Shan, however, continue reporting movements of several Burmese units in the areas opposite Loi Kawwan. "The situation still does not warrant relaxation," said Lt-Col Kawnzuen, commander of Shan forces there. 

A Thai source also reported that IB 43, coming from Mongpiang, 200 miles north of the border, has replaced IB 226 today at Pang Maisoong, the scene of fierce fighting between the Shan and Burmese armies last year, opposite Chiangmai's Wianghaeng District.