Border war gets in the way of tourism

War

Border war gets in the way of tourism

Some local authorities had tried to prevent reports of the ongoing conflict right on the border in Maehongson from getting out fearing the news would stop the holiday makers from visiting the province, according to local sources.

"They were mad when some TV channels covered the engagement between the Karenni and the Burma Army (on Doi Yamoo, 15 km west of Maehongson) and villagers fleeing from the shellings," said a reporter who asked not be named. "They were afraid tourists who are coming to see the Padaung long-necks would turn back instead."

Maehongson is known for the Padaung a.k.a Kayan tribe, whose chief characteristic is the extraordinary neckband of brass coils worn by their women.

Courtesy: www6.big.or.jp

"Thousands visit the Padaung each day," said another local reporter. "Most of them, however, are Thais who, because of the Tsunami catastrophe, had redirected their holiday destinations from the south to the north."

The 800-strong Burma Army and its allies that arrived on the border areas opposite Maehongson since 24 December began shelling Karenni positions on Doi Yamoo (Nyan Moo in Karenni) on 6 January. More than 10 mortar shells fell inside Thai territory on the evening of 10 January when 168 villagers of Mae Suay Oo of Phabong tract under HM Queen Sirikit's project were forced to abandon their homes to seek refuge in neighboring villages.