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BurmaNet News: December 25, 2000



______________ THE BURMANET NEWS ______________
        An on-line newspaper covering Burma 
________December 25, 2000   Issue # 1694_________

NOTED IN PASSING:  "Bangladeshi condoms are a hot favourite with men in 
Myanmar and the market is expanding rapidly,"

Abdur Rahman, Bangladesh customs officer.  See Bangkok Post: Condoms Top 
Export to Burma

INSIDE BURMA _______
*Bangkok Post: China Key to Solving Drug Problem?Interview with Wei 
Hseuh-kang
*DVB: Burma orders Christians in Chin State not to celebrate Christmas
*TV Myanmar: Burmese leader: External groups fabricate racial, religious 
discrimination 
*TV Myanmar (broadcast on CNN): Myanmar Dedicates Statue of the Buddha
*KNU Mergui-Tavoy District Information Department: 2  killed, 5 raped 
while forced to be BA's porters
*Myanmar Information Committee (SPDC): Min Zaw Oo and Saw Thiri Naing, 
Mr and Miss Myanmar for 2000
*Mizzima: Naga Rights Body appeals for help Nagas in Burma Naga Rights 
Body appeals for help Nagas in Burma 
*Shan Herald Agency for News: Junta forces beefing up -Against Shans or 
Thailand?
*Shan Herald Agency for News: Junta's infamous unit comes to rock the 
boat along Thai border 

REGIONAL/INTERNATIONAL _______
*Bangkok Post: Burmese Border Tensions Fit to Burst
*Bangkok Post: Widow seeks son's release from Burma
*Bangkok Post: Crackdown on Foreign Dissidents Based Here

ECONOMY/BUSINESS _______
*Bangkok Post: Condoms Top Export to Burma
*Dow Jones: Thai Pete Agency Completes Gas Pipeline Construction
*Xinhua: Myanmar Needs to Extend Cultivated Areas: Leader 


The BurmaNet News is viewable online at:
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__________________ INSIDE BURMA ____________________


Bangkok Post: China Key to Solving Drug Problem?Interview with Wei 
Hseuh-kang

December 24, 2000


In an exclusive interview, the alleged bagman of Wa drug baron Wei 
Hseuh-kang suggests some ways to subdue the drug threat against 
Thailand. 
Subin Khuenkaew

'The only way to solve the drug problem is to talk with China," says 
Laota Saenlee, the former headman of Ban Huay Sarn in Chiang Mai's Mae 
Ai district. 

"Children take amphetamines not because of family or economic problems 
but because adults are not serious. Everyone knows how influential the 
amphetamine traders are now. "We are like a seriously ill patient but 
the doctor is no good. The drug problem is a matter between China and 
the United States. But Thailand has to suffer the consequences." 

The comments might seem odd coming from a person widely regarded as the 
bagman of Wa drug baron Wei Hseuh-kang. But Laota, 60, insists he has 
nothing to do with the current influx of speed pills into Thailand. 

"I used to trade opium when I was a Koumintang officer but that was a 
long time ago. I don't mess with it now," he told Perspective in an 
exclusive interview at his home in Ban Huay Sarn recently. 

When the Thai government enlisted the help of the Chinese Koumintang 
(KMT) army to fight the Communists in northern Thailand in 1970s, Laota, 
then known as Maj Gen Lee Wang-pao, took part in the operation. He and 
other KMT members were granted Thai nationality afterwards. 

Laota spent his early years on Doi Mae Salong in Chiang Rai's Mae Fah 
Luang district and later became the right-hand man of drug kingpin Khun 
Sa. After Khun Sa was forced to flee to Burma in 1981, Laota came to 
live in Chiang Mai. He married a Lisu girl in Ban Huay Sarn in Mae Ai 
district and has since donned the Lisu attire. 

However, Laota was still closely monitored by officials who believed he 
controlled the money from drug trafficking. However, the officials could 
not use the law to deal with him. 
When Khun Sa surrendered to the Burmese government in 1995, his Mong Tai 
Army (MTA) was split up into small groups. Wei Hseuh-kang's troops from 
the United Wa State Army (UWSA) took over parts of the area controlled 
by the MTA and built Mong Yon opposite Ban San Ton Doo in Mae Ai 
district to be its permanent base. 

Again, Laota was under close watch by officials who believed he was the 
bagman of Wei Hseuh-kang. Laota, who twice won an award as an 
outstanding headman during his 10-year service, was dismissed by the 
Chiang Mai governor in May last year following allegations of drug 
dealing. 

And to further reduce his influence, the Pha Muang Task Force of the 
Third Army arrested him on July 28 last year. The arrest sparked a mass 
protest by villagers and Laota had to be sent to Phuping police station 
in downtown Chiang Mai for fear of a rescue attempt. He was later 
charged with illegal possession of firearms, hiring others to commit 
murder, and physical assault. 

After spending seven months in Fang district jail pending a court 
verdict, Laota was released on bail in June this year. However, Laota is 
now back in jail after the Chiang Mai provincial court found him guilty 
of the firearms charge and sentenced him to 16 months in prison last 
Wednesday. 

Recalling his days as a prisoner, Laota said he spent 11 million baht 
buying food for 400 other inmates. "I also bought them medicines and 
blankets. It was so cold in there," he said. 
"Sometimes I asked prison officials to bring me two prisoners to massage 
me. I ached all over most of the time because the chains that bound my 
legs weighed 12 kilos." 

Apart from this, he gave money to prison officials "to show them my 
gratitude." 
Laota said the Mae Ai district chief came to visit him and told him that 
he would have to be moved to the Northeast. "I told him I wouldn't go 
anywhere. This is my home," he said. "Just because Khun Sa was here, I 
was accused of being his aide. Then the Wa of Wei Hseuh-kang settled in 
Mong Yon and I was charged with siding with them. I was totally baffled. 
In Ban Huay Sarn, you can ask anyone whether there is a single soul who 
trades or takes amphetamines. I would expel him right away if I should 
find one." 

Commenting on the coming general election, Laota said so far no 
candidate had campaigned in his village. "I am concerned the villagers 
would be confused as to what to do. I heard we need to mark two tickets. 
As far as I'm concerned, the villagers are fed up. I developed this 
village using my own money. We got nothing from MPs," he said. 

"Politicians come only before an election and just disappear afterwards. 
If they were to elect, the villagers would definitely elect me. "The 
former headman said the Thai government must be serious about drug 
suppression. 

"First of all, the law to confiscate the money and assets of drug 
traders must be amended. At present, everyone with a lot of money 
deposits it abroad; that's why the economy will decline further," he 
said. 

"From what I heard, the Wa do not intend to dump speed pills into 
Thailand. The problem is those among us who seek to buy them from the 
Wa." 

The problem is even worse in the US, which is "the trader, the consumer 
and the suppressor all in one." 

In his opinion, the Thai government can never succeed in solving the 
drug problem by holding talks with the Burmese or the Wa. 

"We must hold talks with the Chinese. This is the only solution to 
alleviate the problem," he said. 

"When M.R. Kukrit (Pramoj) was the Premier, we negotiated with Beijing. 
The result? We managed to solve the problem of communist insurgency."

___________________________________________________


DVB: Burma orders Christians in Chin State not to celebrate Christmas 

Democratic Voice of Burma, Oslo, in Burmese 1245 gmt 23 Dec 00 

The SPDC State Peace and Development Council army has ordered major 
cities in Chin State, where over 90 per cent of the people are 
Christians, not to hold any grand Christmas celebrations and some 
villages are not even allowed to hold any celebration at all. New Delhi 
based DVB Democratic Voice of Burma correspondent Thet Naing filed this 
report. 

Begin Thet Naing recording The SPDC frontline troops summoned people 
from Haka and Thangtlang Townships in Chin State and told them they were 
not allowed to hold any Christmas ceremony and prayer meeting. They went 
from village to village and told them if they wanted to hold any 
ceremony they are to hold it in a simple and discrete manner at their 
homes. Although the chairmen of the village Peace and Development 
Councils and pastors argued that Christmas is a very auspicious feast 
for Christians and requested them to allow Christmas celebrations the 
column commander of the SPDC forces refused and said that if they hold 
any such ceremonies rebels from the Chin National Front, CNF, could 
infiltrate and that is the reason such ceremonies are not allowed. 

He continued to say if the chairmen and pastors deliberately hold any 
such Christmas feast in defiance of the order, the village chairmen and 
pastors will all be arrested and recruited as porters. They also 
threatened them that the people from southern China State will work as 
porters carrying things up north and people from northern Chin State 
will work as porters carrying stuff down south. A villager from Longlei 
Village in Thangtlang Township, who arrived recently in India, said that 
the Chin Christians are angry at the junta's threat and they are now 
undecided whether to hold the Christmas celebrations and also worry 
about what will happen to them if they are forcibly taken as porters for 
celebrating the feast. The SPDC has ordered only low key celebrations 
ward-wise in Haka, Falam, and Tiddim in Chin State. End of recording 



___________________________________________________


TV Myanmar: Burmese leader: External groups fabricate racial, religious 
discrimination 


Excerpt from report by Burmese TV on 23 December 

A Christmas entertainment programme and dinner organized by the Catholic 
Youth Apostolate of Rangoon Yangon was held at the Mingalar Hall of the 
Kandawgyi Palace Hotel in Rangoon at 1830 local time today 23 December . 
Lt-Gen Tin Oo, secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council 
SPDC , attended the ceremony and delivered a Christmas and New Year 
message. First, Religious Affairs Minister U Aung Khin, Deputy Forestry 
Minister Col Thaik Tun, and Religious Affairs Department 
Director-General Dr Myo Myint delivered their greetings. 

Next, SPDC Secretary-2 delivered his message. He first wished Youth 
Chaplain Rev. Fr. Edwin David and the Apostolate members on this 
auspicious day and said we should all thank God during this 
Christmas-tide and do his holy will by help each one and each nation 
helping each other. 

SPDC Secretary-2 explained although all peoples of the world have 
different religions, customs, and ceremonies, the essence of every 
religion is compassion. He said it is the same as the lawkapada four 
cardinal virtues - loving kindness, compassion, rejoicing at somebody's 
success, and detachment from worldly treasures... 

He added that every religion teaches loving kindness, compassion, 
sympathy, and arouses spirit to help each other in unity. He noted the 
government has been making all-out efforts for the people to enjoy full 
religious freedom in the Union of Burma Myanmar today. He explained 
people of all faiths who believe in the purity of religion must 
safeguard freedom of religion and prevent destructive acts created out 
of greed, anger and ignorance from spreading in the country. 

Tin Oo prayed that various bloody conflicts happening in some parts of 
the world due to race, religion, and apartheid to end in the new year 
and that the peoples enjoy equal respect and be able to help each other. 
He added the actions of some big nations in today's world which put 
their norms in the forefront and interfere in the affairs of smaller 
nations, lack consideration and show disrespect which is against the 
teachings of Christ. 

He noted there are some external organizations that ignore the true 
conditions of the Union of Burma and are spreading deceitful 
fabrications of racial discrimination and religious persecution. This is 
a deliberate attempt to break up the consolidated Union. 

Tin Oo said the peoples of Burma have lived in unity and harmony since 
time immemorial. He added as unity and peace improves as years go by the 
goal to build a new, peaceful, modern, and developed nation will be 
quickly realized... 

He said the concerted efforts of the people, government, and Defence 
Services in Burma today is in line with loving kindness and compassion 
which every religion cherishes. That is why Christ, the son of God and 
redeemer, has showered his blessings on Burma. He urged all brethren to 
actively participate in nation-building endeavours for the interest of 
the people and in remembrance of Christ's Blessings. He also said all 
Christians should try and stop the unreligious acts of destructive 
elements attempting to undermine Burma and disrupt the peace. Finally, 
Tin Oo extended his greetings for Christmas and New Year filled with all 
the love, peace, and joy which Christ Jesus brought into this world. 

Afterwards, the Christmas entertainment programmes were presented. Then, 
the Secretary-2 and party and guests were served with Christmas dinner. 
The ceremony ended after the gathering was blessed by Archbishop Gabriel 
Mahn Gaby and Youth Chaplain Rev. Fr. Edwin David. 


___________________________________________________


TV Myanmar (broadcast on CNN): Myanmar Dedicates Statue of the Buddha 


CNN WORLD REPORT
December 24, 2000; Sunday 

[BurmaNet adds?CNN?s World Report is a program broadcasting ?news? 
pieces from countries around the world.  Most of the pieces are produced 
by state TV in the various countries and reflect the views of the 
government.  CNN does not exercise control over the content.]

Ralph Wenge, Thida Wun 


RALPH WENGE, CNN ANCHOR: In Southeast Asia, Buddhism is the dominant 
religion. People sometimes dedicate their most beautiful and valuable 
objects to the local temple. They believe this earns them religious 
merit that will help them go to a better place after they die. 

In Myanmar, blocks of flawless white marble are often sculpted into 
statues of Buddha and given to prominent temples. 

Myanmar Radio and Television reports on a new statue made from a stone 
discovered near the town of Mandalay. 

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) 

THIDA WUN, MYANMAR RADIO & TV (voice-over): It has been a sacred and 
holy event every time a flawless white marble stone from 
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) township in Mandalay (UNINTELLIGIBLE) was sculptured 
into a sacred Buddha image to be revered , you know, by the people. 

In the reign of King Tuningani (ph) of Inua (ph) in the year of 1724, a 
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) came in flawless white marble was discovered, carried 
to Segui (ph) and sculptured to be revered at (UNINTELLIGIBLE). 

In his dream, another flawless stone was discovered and a 25-feet Buddha 
image was sculptured in 1731 in Inua City and given the name Loca Delapu 
(ph). 

Then, during the reign of Favideo (ph) in 1830, (UNINTELLIGIBLE) 
flawless white marble was discovered again and sculptured into a Buddha 
image and then placed in Arapaho (ph) City in the Mahatawara Veni (ph). 

In 1864, during the Menome Snomond (ph) period, a 27-feet flawless 
marble Buddha image was sculptured and placed at the foot of the 
Mandalay Hill (ph) and was given the name Mohapa Demenein Begosia (ph). 

Over a hundred years later, a huge and perfect solid stone weighing over 
500 tons was discovered and sculptured into a statue that is 7 feet 
high. It was named Loca Ten Avilalamino Puneilids (ph), which means 
image that brings peace and prosperity to the world free from danger. 
The holy sacred image started the noble trip from Zejin (ph) on July 
24th, year 2000. After a (UNINTELLIGIBLE) ship down the Riati (ph) River 
on August the 5th, holy Buddha image arrived at Shangon (ph) 
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) the site, (UNINTELLIGIBLE) a grand welcoming ovation 
ceremony. Over a hundred thousand people paid their deep respects, 
chanting (UNINTELLIGIBLE) riding as the sunshine. 

With the sincere indention of bringing this stability and prosperity to 
the world as a whole, the government and the people hand and hand are 
offering their utmost efforts for all this historic and noble task. 

This is Thida Wun, Myanmar Radio and Television, for CNN WORLD REPORT. 

(END VIDEOTAPE) 



___________________________________________________


KNU Mergui-Tavoy District Information Department: 2  killed, 5 raped 
while forced to be BA's porters


23 December, 2000



A column of Burma Army has forced villagers including women in Theindaw 
and Kawk Ma Pyin villages in the East of Mergui Town, Tenasserim 
division to serve as porters win a particular military activity against 
resistance group, and have killed 2 porters and raped 5 female porters.  

 

On November 2, 2000 a column of 100 men from Burma Army's Infantry 
Battalion 17 led by Major Aung Kyaw Than arrived to Theindaw village in 
the east of Mergui town. Major Aung Kyaw Than ordered Theindaw village 
headman U Kyi Shein to arrange 30 porters for his troop. When U Kyi 
Shein could not find 30 porters as ordered, Aung Kyaw Than ordered his 
troop to go around the village and capture anyone as porter. That troop 
has captured 75 men and 15 women in Theindaw village and forced them to 
carry military supplies for their military activities against Myeik 
Dawai United Front (MDUF).  
 

That column departed Theindaw village and marched to Kawk Ma Pyin 
village. When arrived to Kawk Ma Pyin village they again captured 20 
villagers more and forced them to be porters. Then that troop marched to 
the east for their military activity. During their operation there were 
two clashes with the MDUF. It was learnt that two porters from Kawk Ma 
Pyin village were died because of illness, and beaten by the troops and 
five female porters from Theindaw village were raped during this 
military activity.  


___________________________________________________

 
Mizzima: Naga Rights Body appeals for help Nagas in Burma Naga Rights 
Body appeals for help Nagas in Burma 

Imphal (Manipur), December 25, 2000 
Mizzima News Group (www.mizzima.com) 

A Naga human rights organization has accused that the military junta of 
Burma is violating the rights of the Nagas living in that country. In a 
press release last Friday, the Naga People's Movement for Human Rights 
(NPMHR) said that Naga villagers living in Burma have been subjected to 
hardships meted out by the Burmese army recently.  

The Burmese army has recently launched military attacks on bases of 
National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) situated inside Burma. 
Indian Home Minister L.K Advani said in November that Burmese army is 
helping India fight against Naga insurgency and it destroyed five NSCN 
(Khaplang faction) camps this year.  

The release further said that there is an increase of Internally 
Displaced People in the Naga Hill areas in Burma and the displaced 
people are living without food and clothing.  

The NPMHR, which is based in Kohima of Nagaland, said that the Naga 
villagers are subjected to desecration of churches, forced conversion 
into Buddhism, forced conscription into the Burmese army, forced labour 
without pay, burning of paddy fields and villages.  

Contrary to the claim of Burmese regime, forced labour continues to 
exist in Burma. For example, local populace said that the Burmese army 
is using forced labour in the construction of Khanti-Lahai-Leshi motor 
road in Naga Hill area.

___________________________________________________


Myanmar Information Committee (SPDC): Min Zaw Oo and Saw Thiri Naing, Mr 
and Miss Myanmar for 2000  

YANGON 

Information  Sheet 
N0. B-1657(I)         25th December, 2000 
  



The Year 2000 Mr and Miss Myanmar contest, organized by Myanmar Body 
building  and Physical Culture Federation, was held at the National 
Theatre in Yangon  on 24 December.Miss Myanmar (Junior) contest, Miss 
Myanmar (Senior) contest,  Mr Myanmar (Junior) contest and Mr Myanmar 
(Senior) contest were held in the  evening. 

___________________________________________________


Shan Herald Agency for News: Junta forces beefing up -Against Shans or 
Thailand?


Reporter: Saengkhao Haeng in Chiangrai

Dec. 25, 2000

The Burmese army has been noticeably building up along the border 
opposite  Chiangrai province since the clash between the two sides late 
last month,  said sources.

Three battalions were being placed from Homaekham to Mahingtoon, a 25-km 
 stretch, opposite Mae Faluang District, Chiangrai Province, namely: LIB 
359 (Tachilek) Lt.-Col. Myo Chit;
LIB 526 (Tachilek) Lt.-Col. Toe Aung;
LIB 329 (Monghpyak) Lt.-Col. Toe Myat, against the Phamuang Force with 
its  headquarters in Chiangmai, according to the sources.

In addition, the Burmese have 2 auxiliary units, namely: 1st Special 
Mobile  Unit (Nampoong Militia), 218 strong, of Yishay (55) and Paytalu 
(50) and  Battalion 6 (Mongkarn), 150-strongs of the United Wa State 
Army's 171st  Division, they said.

The Burmese units are armed with 5-81 mm launchers making local watchers 
 question whether these long-range missile throwers would be effective  
against the Kengtung Front of the Shan State Army led by Yawdserk. "With 
 Shans, only short-range weapons would be more sensible", said a Thai 
watcher. 
The Thais and the Burmese had a brief clash on 22 November after the  
latter, in hot pursuit of the retreating SSA, stumbled into a Thai 
border  patrol. The Thais retired afterwards. "They were later ordered 
not to give  up an inch to any intruder, whether Shan or Burmese", said 
the watcher. 
More serious were reports of Burma Navy to be establishing gunboat units 
 along the Mekhong and also the Air force sending a number of airplanes 
to  Tachilek from Namzang, Kengtung and Loimwe air bases.

Another watcher however remarked that the build up might be for the  
security of 2 methamphetamine "workshops" and 1 heroin refineries near  
Nampoong, Yishay's headquarters, that is only a few kilometers away from 
 the boundary line.


___________________________________________________


Shan Herald Agency for News: Junta's infamous unit comes to rock the 
boat along Thai border 

Dec. 24, 2000

Reporter: Saeng Khao Haeng

One of Rangoon's most feared units arrived in cities bordering Thailand  
earlier this month, said several sources.

Na Sa Ka (Border Control Unit), long active along borders with 
Bangladesh  and India in the west was reported in Tachilek on 2 
December. Feared even  among junta sphere, its presence was seen by many 
state functionaries, both  military and civilian alike, as bad omen.

According to the latest count on 17 December, the strength of the unit 
with  its headquarters in LIB 331 is already 120. The total strength 
would be 702. 

The unit operates directly under "S-1", Lt.-Gen. Khin Nyunt and is  
empowered to "butt in" the affairs of various  local governmental  
departments i.e. customs, immigration, cross-border trade, census and 
even  township administrations. Its area of operation shall be Tachilek, 
Monghsat  and Mongton, said sources.

Already, its presence is felt along the border. The Myawaddy-Maesod  
checkpoints were closed without notice. Thai counterparts in the  
Tachilek-Chiangrai joint border committee were told they could either  
change the present border regulations soon or close the border and 
Rangoon  couldn't care less during a meeting two weeks ago.

"One good thing is that border passes, previously obtained at B.120, has 
 gone down to just B.20," said a source. "Also in the past there were 
some  difficulties for non-Tachilek citizens to get a pass, but now, 
everyone who  has an ID card can get it without going through a lot of 
procedures". 

Related News:

Lt.-Gen. Khin Nyunt arrived on 21 December to inaugurate a nuns' school 
in  Tachilek. The carpet, 100 meters long, for him to walk on during the 
 ceremony was bought for B.100,000 by the townspeople, said sources. 




___________________ REGIONAL/INTERNATIONAL___________________


Bangkok Post: Burmese Border Tensions Fit to Burst


 Sunday, December 24, 2000



WA MENACE: As drug camps under the United Wa State Army proliferate 
across the Thai-Burmese border in Chiang Mai, speculation mounts as to 
just how far Thai and US drug enforcers are prepared to go to stamp them 
out. 

Subin Khuenkaew In Chiang Mai

'Good. I am close to his headquarters now," said Adm Dennis Blair, chief 
of the US Pacific Command, as he peered through his binoculars from the 
top of Doi Kiew Hoong in Chiang Mai's Mae Ai district. From that 
position, the admiral could clearly see the home of Wei Hsueh-kang, the 
notorious drug baron and commander of the United Wa State Army's 171st 
Division inside Burma. 

A few weeks after Adm Blair's September 27 visit, Chinese State 
Councillor Luo Gan, who supervises the drug problem, also came to Chiang 
Mai and stood on the same spot. Through his binoculars, he could see the 
UWSA's headquarters in Mong Yon and the opium fields that provide the Wa 
with the financial means to expand their influence. 

Millions of amphetamine pills produced by the UWSA have been flooding 
across the border into Thailand during the past few years. While Adm 
Blair pledged to provide Thailand with military equipment to suppress 
narcotics from across the border, the Chinese official was not that 
forthright. 

"The drug problem is shared by all affected countries and can be solved 
primarily through negotiation," Luo Gan told Perspective during his 
Chiang Mai visit. "I appreciate the Thai government's efforts to address 
the problem, which are in the right direction."  

Nonetheless, Luo declined to comment on the resettlement of the Wa 
community from northern Burma bordering the Chinese town of Sibsong 
Panna. The south-bound migration of some 200,000 Wa people from Pang 
Sang was supported and endorsed by China, according to Thai authorities. 


Thailand has good reason to worry about the resettlement, and the 
positioning of 1,500 well-armed UWSA soldiers closer to the Thai border 
from Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai down to Mae Hong Son late last month. 

The tense border situation is worrying Thai authorities in charge of 
holding the coming general election. They are also concerned about 
reports that "drug money" is being sent across the border to fund the 
campaigns of certain candidates. 

Beyond these concerns, analysts are wondering where the "drug game", now 
pitting Thai soldiers against the Wa army, will lead us to. Can the US 
and China put an end to this dangerous situation, and if so, how? 

OPIUM THE PRIZE

"The Wa may want to expand its territory for political and drug 
trafficking reasons, especially into the land where the Shan now rules. 
At present, opium is grown everywhere in Mong Pan, Mong Tha and Mong 
Ton, just opposite Wiang Haeng district of Chiang Mai," said a source in 
the Pha Muang Task Force of the Thai Third Army. "Whoever seizes the 
area first can control all the output. The opium fields here are the 
most fertile in the area." 

According to the Office of Narcotics Control Board's forecast, the 
current opium crop will yield more than 500 tons of raw opium, 50% more 
than last year. 

Backed by Rangoon, drug warlord Wei Hseuh-kang sent five UWSA battalions 
from Mong Yon to the South on November 29, with the aim of seizing the 
area under the influence of the Shan State Army (SSA) led by Col 
Yodsuek. The 1,500 Wa soldiers are now positioned in the areas opposite 
Chiang Rai's Mae Fah Luang district; Chiang Mai's Wiang Haeng district; 
and Pai and Pang Ma Pa districts in Mae Hong Son. 

The Wa were reportedly very upset by the SSA's disruption of their 
narcotics production. Almost all of the five UWSA battalions have 
reached the target areas. 

These Wa soldiers have replaced all the Burmese soldiers which 
previously controlled these areas. "The Wa are now in Pang Sua Tao 
village, about two kilometres from the Thai border in Wiang Haeng 
district, Chiang Mai," a source in the Pha Muang Task Force said. "They 
have replaced the Burmese at Doi Daeng opposite Pang Ma Pa district of 
Mae Hong Son, and are now less than a kilometre from the SSA force. A 
clash is expected before year-end." 

SSA AT DEAD-END

SSA soldiers under Col Yodsuek have strongly disrupted drug trafficking 
in the area over the past two years. 

"At present, we only have two options. If the world's only superpower 
(the USA) or other foreign countries think it is important that the SSA 
oppose drug trafficking, the results of which have been seen for some 
time, they should support us so we can continue with the fight. If we 
don't get aid and support, the only other option for us is to accept 
reality and surrender to the Burmese," said Col Yodsuek, whose base is 
opposite Pang Ma Pa district, Mae Hong Son. 

On November 20, SSA troops destroyed an amphetamine warehouse, arrested 
six Muser volunteers and Burmese soldiers, and seized arms and 200,000 
speed pills. Burma's 359th Rapid Deployment Battalion, commanded by 
Lt-Col Myo Chit, believed it was the work of Thai soldiers. A clash 
between his troops and Thai soldiers of the Third Cavalry Battalion 
followed, resulting in two Thai rangers being wounded and a Burmese 
soldier killed. The tension eased when Lt-Col Myo Chit came to apologise 
to Thai officers after he learned the truth about what happened. 

Nonetheless, it seems the Burmese remain convinced someone is backing 
the SSA's operations. But apparently this time the Burmese lost face. 

Maj-Gen Somboonkiat Sitthideja, commander of the Pha Muang Task Force, 
said: "Burma does not cooperate with us in solving the drug problem. 
With almost 50 drug-producing factories located on the Burmese side, we 
cannot guarantee such an incident will not happen again." 

An SSA foreign affairs coordinator said: "We are under heavy pressure. 
It depends entirely on how Col Yodsuek decides. If he agrees to hold 
talks with the Wa, there may be no more fighting, but the Wa may seize 
our land sooner or later... The SSA has nowhere else to go." 

Over the past year, the SSA have tried to show the free world, 
especially Thailand, that it has nothing to do with the drug trade. It 
has sent troops to attack the production bases of the Muser and the Wa 
and hundreds of thousands of speed pills were handed over to Thai 
officials. This is one of the reasons the UWSA is not comfortable with 
the actions of the SSA, which earlier agreed not to be its direct enemy. 


In the latest armed clash on Dec 7, a Thai soldier was killed and two 
wounded when they tried to intercept Wa soldiers near Ban Huay Sarn in 
Chiang Mai's Mae Ai district. Maj-Gen Chamlong Phothong, deputy Third 
Army commander, said the clash site was frequented by drug traffickers. 
The Wa soldiers left behind UWSA uniforms, backpacks, bullets, M16 and 
AK47 rifles, and hand grenades produced in China. 

Ban Huay Sarn is under the control of Laota Saenlee, the alleged bagman 
of Wei Hsueh-kang. 

(See details in sidebar story). 

A PROXY WAR?

Why did Burmese soldiers allow the UWSA, especially the 171st Division 
under the command of Wei Hseuh-kang, to move into strategic locations 
closer to the Thai border?  
One theory is that Burma wants to avoid direct confrontation with 
Thailand. 
The Wa were sent to the border presumably to defend the country. But 
actually, it is the bumper opium crop and enormous benefits involved in 
drug trafficking that they seek to protect. 
China itself also faces a serious drug problem, especially in Sibsong 
Panna, and the drugs primarily come from the Wa community in the area. 

Asked to comment on the drug threat to Thailand, Chinese State 
Councillor Luo Gan told Perspective: "Each country has its own problem. 
Before cooperating with others, one should have a chance to address its 
own problem first. Only then can cooperation be discussed." 
Given China's attitude, Burma is convinced Thailand may need to use 
force to destroy the drug production bases. It is also possible the US 
government may lend a hand as it did in the deployment of both land and 
air forces to attack the border stronghold of former drug warlord Khun 
Sa, forcing him to flee to Burma in 1981 



___________________________________________________


Bangkok Post: Widow seeks son's release from Burma

Dec. 25, 2000

In Mae Sot, Tak


A mute widow has sought help from Mae Sot police to negotiate with local 
Burmese authorities to free her son, who was captured by soldiers last 
week.

Bunphan Wongsa, of Huay Muang village, made her application yesterday. 

She was accompanied by neighbours who interpreted her sign language for 
police. Mrs Bunphan said her son Somchai Moonta, 18, was arrested by 
Burmese soldiers in Myawaddy while he was fishing in the Moei river on 
Dec 16.

Before the arrest, the soldiers had given chase to a Burmese criminal 
suspect who fled to Mae Sot. The suspect had gunshot wounds and was 
rushed to Mae Sot hospital by local villagers. The soldiers saw Mr 
Somchai fishing in the river, caught him and charged him with conspiring 
with the Burmese suspect, Mrs Bunphan said.

Burma has asked local Thai authorities to hand over the Burmese suspect 
in exchange for Mr Somchai.


___________________________________________________


Bangkok Post: Crackdown on Foreign Dissidents Based Here

  MONDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2000

NATIONAL SECURITY



Phnom PenD raid prompts action

Yuwadee Tunyasiri

Measures have been stepped up to  prevent foreign groups from using 
Thailand to stage unfriendly acts against neighbouring countries, the 
National Security Council chief said yesterday.

The move followed reports that Chhun Yasith, leader of the Cambodian 
Freedom Fighters involved in the Nov 24 attack on Phnom Penh, was hiding 
in Thailand and preparing for another "coup attempt".

Secretary-general Kachadpai Burusapatana said the NSC had called a 
meeting to prepare a crackdown on foreign political movements and their 
members operating or hiding in Thailand.

Checks were being made to confirm whether Chhun Yasith, who claimed to 
have led the Nov 24 attack, was in Thailand as reported and how he 
entered the country.

Mr Kachadpai said no Thais were involved in the attack, which cost eight 
lives.

Members of any movements operating against foreign governments and using 
Thailand as a base would face serious action, he said.

There must be no misunderstanding of Thailand's policy of 
non-interference in the affairs o f other countries, Mr Kachadpai said.

The Immigration Bureau has been ordered to carefully screen the entry of 
Indochinese refugees into Thailand and blacklist those involved in 
antigovernment activities.

Mr Kachadpai said aVietnamese man who hijacked a plane from Thailand and 
dropped anti-Hanoi leaflets in Vietnam during US President Bill 
Clinton's recent visit to that country was being being held in Rayong, 
and a trial was pending.



_______________ ECONOMY AND BUSINESS _______________


Bangkok Post: Condoms Top Export to Burma

 Sunday, December 24, 2000


Dhaka, dpa

Bangladeshi contraceptives have found a profitable market in Burma, 
topping the list of commodities sold in cross-border trade between the 
two countries, local customs officials said yesterday. 

"Bangladeshi condoms are a hot favourite with men in Myanmar and the 
market is expanding rapidly," said Abdur Rahman, a customs officer in 
the frontier trading post of Teknaf in southeastern Bangladesh. 

Traders in Teknaf on the Bangladesh Burma border said birth control 
pills from Bangladesh were also being sold across the border, tipping 
the balance of trade in favour of Bangladesh. 

Police said family planning kits supplied free by the government to 
Bangladeshi couples were smuggled to Burma, designated a high risk Aids 
country by the World Health Organisation. 

The authorities were aware of the illegal contraceptive trade after 
Bangladeshi paramilitary border guards recently seized a huge cache of 
birth control pills from alleged smugglers in Teknaf about 390km 
southeast of the capital Dhaka. 

Last week the border guards busted an organised smuggling ring trying to 
take 1,800 packets of the Bangladeshi birth pill "Shukh" (Pleasure) to 
Burma worth about $2,500. 

Residents in Teknaf said the Burmese men prefer Bangladeshi condoms for 
their reliability. 

Bangladesh gets most of its contraceptive supplies from the West in the 
form of aid from donor countries under population control projects. 

___________________________________________________


Dow Jones: Thai Pete Agency Completes Gas Pipeline Construction				
Friday, December 22 5:17 PM SGT 


BANGKOK (Dow Jones)--State-owned Petroleum Authority of Thailand, or 
PTT, said Friday that it has completed the construction of a 
154-kilometer natural gas pipeline, which links the state-owned Wang Noi 
power plant in the central region to a delivery site in Ratchaburi, some 
100 kilometers west of Bangkok.  

The gas supply will come from Myanmar's Yandana and Yetagun offshore gas 
fields, which belong to Petronas Carigali, a unit of Petronas Dagangan 
BHD (PETR.KL), the U.K.'s Premier Oil PCL (PMOIY) and France's TotalFina 
Elf S.A. (TOT).  

The pipeline has a current delivery capacity of 300 million cubic feet a 
day, and can be expanded to 500 mmcfd in the future, PTT said.  

>From 2001 onwards, PTT expects to take 900 mmcfd from the fields in 
Myanmar. 



___________________________________________________


Xinhua: Myanmar Needs to Extend Cultivated Areas: Leader 

YANGON, December 23 


If efforts are not being made to extend cultivated areas in Myanmar in 
accord with the growing number of population, the country may face 
difficulties in the future, said Myanmar leader Lieutenant General Tin 
Oo Friday. 

Tin Oo, second secretary of the State Peace and Development Council, 
made the remarks when he inspected Twantay township in Yangon Division, 
official newspaper The New Light of Myanmar reported Saturday. 

Tin Oo cited that the government is implementing water supply and land 
reclamation tasks for the nation's long-term interest, saying that 
permission was granted to national entrepreneurs to reclaim thousands of 
hectares of vacant, virgin, fallow lands and wetlands to significantly 
extend cultivated areas in Myanmar. 

He said that the country's total sown area has risen to 9.72 million 
hectares at present from 8.10 million hectares in 1988. 

>From 1988 to date, the state has built 116 dams irrigating over 1.62 
million hectares of land, he added. 

According to official statistics, in the fisc 1999-2000 which ended in 
March, Myanmar cultivated about 6 million hectares of paddy, one of the 
four pillar crops of the country, and produced 19.9 million tons of the 
crop, registering the largest output in the country's history of paddy 
production. 

The country claims that 15.67 million tons of paddy is enough to feed 
its present 50-million population, which annually growth rate is 2 
percent. 

Meanwhile, Myanmar exported 53,700 tons of rice in the fiscal 1999-2000. 



___________________________________________________






 


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