Bangkok Post(6/8/99)

[mandalay@xxxxxxxxxx]

Traffickers may switch routes to Northeast


Loei seen as likely corridor for the Wa



The campaign to stem the inflow of drugs from Shan state in Burma is to be
widened to the Northeast amid concerns the United Wa State Army may be
switching its trafficking routes.

Heightened security along the border of the North is understood to have
prompted the Wa militia based at Mong Yawn, opposite Chiang Mai, to look
for other corridors into Thailand.

According to the Narcotics Control Board, authorities in Vientiane are to
be consulted about a switch of routes, which could see the Wa trying to
send methamphetamine shipments through Laos and then into Thailand.

Permpong Chavalit, head of the northeastern office of the control board,
said surveillance has been stepped up along the border.

Mr Permpong said the board would co-operate with authorities in Laos in
checking the movement of drug shipments. Thai and Lao anti-narcotics
officials are to meet this month in Savannakhet province to discuss strategy.

Military assistance would also be sought to intercept drugs that may be
brought in through the Laos border.

The control board has identified 16 districts of six northeastern provinces
bordering Laos as possible transit points. They are in Nong Khai, Nakhon
Phanom, Mukdaharn, Loei, Ubon Ratchathani and Amnart Charoen.

Particular attention is being paid to Loei, which borders the North, and is
regarded as the most likely location for transit routes by the Wa militia.
Mr Permpong said: "If the drug is diverted to this trafficking route, I am
sure there will be serious problems in the Northeast."Between 1996 and
1998, he said 255,765 methamphetamine pills were confiscated in the
Northeast's six border provinces. The bulk of the Wa militia's production
has entered the country through the porous border of the North.

As efforts to staunch the inflow continue, Sanan Kachornprasart, the
interior minister, said he would consider the closure of more border
checkpoints besides San Ton Du in Chiang Mai.

Maj-Gen Sanan said the closure of border checkpoints would be done without
fear and over any objections from local businessmen or influential figures.

The military and police are gathering information to identify other border
crossings for closure.

The Chiang Mai governor issued an order to close the San Ton Du checkpoint
in line with a National Security Council resolution.


The closure, which followed a campaign involving police, the military and
drug agencies to block the inflow of narcotics, is also intended as a form
of economic sanction against the Wa.

By halting the export from Thailand of supplies such as fuel, building
materials and consumer goods, the authorities are hoping to prevent the
drug-funded growth of Mong Yawn and other settlements under the influence
of the Wa. 
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Gems make us rich, say Wa
Militia denies drugs fund its new town Micool Brooke



Under pressure from increased Thai army operations to stop drug smuggling,
a leader of a Burmese minority says diamonds, not narcotics, are his
group's main source of income.

But a Thai army commander said military intelligence indicates otherwise
and that his beefed-up forces along the border are determined to deny the
rugged area to drug gangs. Maj Sai Tong of the United Wa State Army, said
on Wednesday at Mong Yawn, opposite Chiang Mai, that his militia is not
involved in drugs.

Gen Surayud Chulanont, the army chief, said on Wednesday that Thailand was
unlikely to mount cross-border raids that could jeopardise relations.

"We are expecting more clashes with traffickers coming from the Golden
Triangle into Thailand," he said. "But I think they are no match for us.

"If they are Wa, they are not heavily armed and are not actually trained
for combat. They may be able to protect themselves and couriers from other
groups, but not from the Thai army."Gen Surayud said the operation would
continue indefinitely. "We have to consolidate this area and let them know
this is the end of their drug-trafficking operations," he said.

On Wednesday, authorities closed the San Ton Du border checkpoint serving
Mong Yawn, which is developing rapidly from a village into a modern town.
Facilities being built, mostly by Thai contractors, include a hydroelectric
dam, a hospital, housing and roads.

Maj Sai Tong said the development was being funded by diamonds from a mine
in the area, and that the Wa militia had signed a five-year agreement with
the Burmese junta to co-operate in narcotics suppression.

The Wa signed a ceasefire with the military government several years ago
which allowed them a certain degree of autonomy.

The minority is accused by Thai authorities and the United States Drug
Enforcement Administration of being the main drug producer in the Golden
Triangle. From its stronghold in Shan state, the Wa militia is said by
authorities to be producing amphetamines destined for Thailand.
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