Thais wary of latest Burmese moves

Thais wary of latest Burmese moves

Update: 
As Burmese offensive rages further south against Karen rebels across Thailand's Tak Province, Thai security officials in Chiangmai have been alerted by the Burma Army's most recent movements, said an informed source. 

The first was the appointment of new commanders for 3 of the battalions in the areas adjoining Chiangmai: IB 43 (Mongpiang), IB 65 (Mongton) and LIB 360 (Mongpiang), on 19 January. One of them is Lt-Col Myint Sway of IB 65 who just came after the Pang Maisoong Battle (20 May - 20 June 2002)," he reminded S.H.A.N. "All of them appear to be replaced by experienced battlefield commanders from Kayah (Karenni) and Karen States." 

Then, on 20 January, more than 20 trucks escorting two "important equipment" transports arrived in Mongton, some 50 miles from the border, on its way to Monghsat, 40 miles further east, where the Military Operations Management Command #14 is headquartered. "We have yet to find out what's in there," said the source. 

Two days later, he said, the commander of IB 226 opposite Wiang Haeng District and opposing Shan State Army positions along the border, was reported personally supervising the laying of 200 mines around his Pang Maisoong Camp, which was overrun by Shan rebels last year. Hundreds of mines were also reportedly been laid across Chiangmai's other district, Chiangdao, since the battle in June, that have killed or maimed some 30 people, according to several local sources. "6 were killed on 17 January alone," said one. 

"Last but not least", he said, "it was reported yesterday that Lt-Col Khin Maung Tint, Commander of the First Engineering Battalion from Mingaladon (near Rangoon), arrived in Mongtaw (15 miles north of Pang Maisoong)". He was reportedly looking for a suitable site to establish an arsenal, according to the source. 

The Burma Army was reported to be preparing for an all-out offensive against Shan strongholds along the Thai border in December which did not materialize. "It may still come possibly after the visits by the army chief (Gen Somdhat Attanant, on 31 January) and the prime minister (Thaksin Shinawatra on 9 February)", he ventured.