Thai villagers criticize government policy

Thai villagers criticize government policy

Border conflict 

Villagers in the neighborhood of the site of the raging battle between the Shan State Army and the combined Burmese-Wa forces have voiced their displeasure against Bangkok's Burma policy. 

Several attendees at a wedding reception in Piangluang, just 3 km south of the Laktaeng pass across which Shans and the Burma.Army were fighting for the possession of Pang Maisoong a former resistance stronghold the SSA had wrested from Burmese control since 20 May, told S.H.A.N. they were not satisfied with the Thaksin government's assurances that things were going to turn out well in a matter of weeks through its diplomatic efforts. (Piangluang is in Wianghaeng District, 160 km north west of Chiangmai). 

"We can accept that what Rangoon does to its own people in their backyard is no business of ours," said a source, one of the discussants who requested anonymity, referring to the government's non-interference stand. "But couldn't PM Thaksin or Gen Chavalit (Yongchaiyudh, who doubles as Vice PM and Defense Minister) warn them they should not fight unless they guarantee to cover for any losses incurred on the Thai side of the border?" 

Others who shared the same table nodded their agreement. "We should like full compensation for our losses, not just token assistance," added one. "If they can't repay they should not fight. That's what we'd like our government to tell Burma without mincing any words." 

The three-hour party was held during the day time in order to ease anxieties that have increased as the impact of each 120mm mortar shell impact reverberated through the village up to Wianghaeng, the district seat, 18 km further south. 

Stray shells continued to fall inside Thai territory each day, one reportedly near a Thai outpost on Thursday (6 June). There was no public complaint from the military although villagers suspected one soldier was being wounded by a shrapnel. Some spent bullets also hit at least ten houses in Laktaeng village a hundred meters from the border last night. 

Continued shell explosions that seemed to get nearer had prompted some villagers to desert their homes for temporary shelters designated further inside. Which in turn prompted Tengyun Phainang, Headman of Piangluang, to ask the villagers through the public address system, not to panic into taking precipitous actions. "I'm keeping in touch with the overall situation", he assured the villagers. "If the time to move comes, I'll be there to take charge of it". 

Elsewhere along the border, the SSA is also fighting fiercely against the Burma Army and its Wa ally in Loi Kaw Moeng , opposite Chiangrai and Loi Taileng,opposite Maehongson.