Threatened Shan stronghold becomes off

Threatened Shan stronghold becomes off-limits 

Loi Kawwan, the Shan State Army's eastern bastion near the Golden Triangle has been closed off to outsiders especially the media since Monday (25 February), according to border sources.

"The local TV Channel 7 reporters have been on top of the border security forces' watch list," said a source who requested anonymity.

Channel 7 recently won the Mekhala award for its border news coverages that included vivid scenes of fighting between Shan and Burmese forces.

The closure came at a time when imminent attack of the stronghold of Loi Kawwan, opposite Mae Fa Laung district, Chiangrai province, is being predicted by several Thai border-watchers.

This latest Thai move to seal the border has been played down by the SSA leaders, who had earlier voiced concern through Bangkok Post (10 February, Perspective) and their own bulletin, Freedom News (9 February).

S.H.A.N.'s report on Tuesday (26 February) on allegations of pressure by Bangkok to withdraw Shan forces from the area was also dismissed as unwarranted, according to a rebel source.

Loi Kawwan is located near the site of the proposed Thai development project for the Wa people from the Chinese border who are being resettled in the area.