Bkk Post - Troops mingle amicably in no-man's land

["TIN KYI" <tinkyi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Bangkok Post - Jan 03, 2000

Troops mingle amicably in no-man's land

Only buffer zone is a 20m-wide playfield

Sermsuk Kasitipradit Wassana Nanuam

Of the army's 11 military outposts in the disputed area of Doi Lang, the Aek Archa base is located in the most threatening site, since only a 20m-wide playground separates it from the Burmese military camp.

"I didn't expect our camp to be so close to the Burmese soldiers. It looked quite threatening when we first arrived," said Sgt-Maj Prasert Supengkham, who is in charge of the base opposite Burma's 527th battalion.

However, he said the situation at the camp was not worrisome as soldiers from both sides are under strict instructions not to do anything that could spark a conflict.

The cavalry soldier was quite confident the situation in the area was unlikely to turn explosive.

Both sides have agreed to apply certain rules to avoid any mistrust that may affect mutual understanding. Among these is a commitment from both military camps to inform each other of any new developments in the area.

"We have agreed to inform each other if one side wants to inspect the disputed area and the inspection must be accompanied by troops of the other side. We will also let them know in advance if we plan to fly our helicopters over the area," said an officer from the Pha Mueng Task Force.

The playground, 20m wide and 40m long, was jointly constructed for daily sports activities such as volley ball and takraw.

The buffer zone-cum-playground also houses a small wooden pavilion which serves as a meeting place.

Soldiers from both sides can share the place but they are strictly barred from entering the military outpost of the other side.

"Usually, senior Burmese officers from nearby bases come here to dine with our officers. We discuss everything as long as it helps strengthen ties and create better understanding. We do not make them feel uncomfortable," said a junior cavalry officer.

Thai soldiers' daily activities begin with exercise at 5.30am before breakfast and singing of the national anthem at 8am. They return to their bunks at around 8.30pm.

Around 80 local villagers known as "People Power the Defender", whom the army has trained, take turns to patrol the camp at night.

"We have to keep in mind all the time that the situation here can turn violent at any moment as both sides are fully armed," said Capt Montri Genenakorn, a company commander whose base is located nearby.

English is the common language used by both sides to communicate with each other. Burmese soldiers are strictly forbidden to speak Burmese when they buy daily commodities from Thai villagers.

"We have told them to talk only in Thai or the local dialect so that people can understand what they discuss among themselves. They have co-operated fully," said a cavalry lieutenant who is a platoon commander.