Bangkok Post - Jan 04, 2000
Surayud surveys Khun Sa's disputed turf
Risk of conflict is remote, he says
Sermsuk
Kasitpradit
Mae Ai, Chiang Mai
| Army Commander-in-chief Gen Surayud Chulanont observes the Thai-Burmese border from an outpost in Mae Ai in Chiang Mai district yesterday. - SERMSUK KASITPRADIT |
While at Giew Hoong, Gen Surayud Chulanont was briefed on the security situation in the area by Lt-Col Chainarong Kaewkla, chief of the 3rd Cavalry Regiment's 15th battalion.
The army chief said later he was confident conditions around Doi Lang would not lead to an armed conflict because there is now good understanding between Thai and Burmese troops deployed in the area.
Gen Surayud urged border security forces to try to cultivate and maintain good relations with their Burmese counterparts across the border.
Burmese soldiers are now allowed to cross the border every morning to buy food from villagers. Senior officers on both sides are occasionally seen having dinner or playing takraw together on a neutral ground.
Thousands of Thai and Burmese soldiers have been deployed around Doi Lang since 1996 following the Rangoon military junta's attempt to claim the area after Khun Sa, former leader of the Mong Tai Army and heroin kingpin, surrendered to Rangoon earlier in the same year.
The disputed area, once under the control of the Mong Tai Army, is known generally as Doi Lang and includes sev eral other hills such as Doi Laem, Doi Song Jik, and Doi Mark Lang.
Gen Surayud yesterday also said the development of Mong Yawn, the southern military command headquarters of the amphetamine-producing United Wa State Army, had been seriously hampered by the closure of the San Ton Du border checkpoint in Chiang Mai province.