Wa deploying along border with Thailand

Wa deploying along border with Thailand 

Reporter: Saeng Khao Haeng

Sources across the border told S.H.A.N. yesterday Wa troops were taking positions along the border opposite Chiangmai. 

Units from the United Wa State Amy's 171st Division arrived in Monghta (west of Mongton) on Thursday (30 November) afternoon in 45 Tiger Toyota offroaders. 17 of them reached Hueyyao (6-km north of Piangluang, Wianghaeng District, Chiangmai Province) yesterday at 15:00, carrying 140 tough Wa fighters. "We saw soldiers of IB 225 (Mongton) piling up on the vehicles after the Wa disembarked and took off to some unknown location", said one source. 

80 of the Wa fighters then marched off to Kiu Zangkup and Kawng Hermin, 2 outposts along the border that connects with the strategic Loihtwe mountain already occupied by them since mid June. The remaining troops with their commander (yet to be identified) were billeted at Pang Surtao, a former training camp during SURA-MTA days. 
The border checkpoint between Thailand Piangluang and Pang Maisoong on the opposite side was still guarded by soldiers from IB 43 (Mong piang). 

It is not immediately known where the rest of the convoy have gone, but some of them might sitll be in Monghta while some might continue their way to Sankarng-Khailong, near the Shan State Army's Loi Taileng stronghold, they said. 
They also said it would be premature to foretell what to expect from the event. 

"But one thing is sure", one said. "We must be ready to bear 3 burdens from now on, namely, the Burmese military, the SSA and now the UWSA". 

Another source expressed fear of ill-treatment by the newcomers. "People from Nakawngmu (between Mongton and BP1) and even Wa from other units said the 171st is quite unruly", she said. 

A different view was also voiced by one trader who shuttled between Mongtaw-Monghta and Tachilek, opposite Chiangrai Province. "In the past, we could only use the motor-road from Nakawngmu to Tachilek during the dry season", he said. "But since over a year ago, we have been able to travel by car even during the rainy season. At present, it takes only 5 hours to reach there". 

He predicted that local people could now expect better road conditions in the area. 

Yet another source said he was worried from now on there would be divisions among the local community. "In the past, it was generally us against the Burmese. But now some of us who are more business and profit minded will probably side with the Wa", he said. 

Meanwhile, a Thai Burma-watcher told S.H.A.N., "It is a plot by Rangoon not only to profit both materially and militarily from the expected Shan-Wa conflict, but also to use the Thais to destroy the Wa". 

Thai security officials are reportedly incensed by the Burmese move that comes at the wrong time, when Thais are busy with preparations and security for the General Elections to be held on 6 January, said another Thai source.