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Thailand, Burma dispute islet (Sep
- Subject: Thailand, Burma dispute islet (Sep
- From: tun@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Tue, 13 Sep 1994 10:11:00
Subject: Thailand, Burma dispute islet (Sept 12)
Bangkok Post Monday September 12, 1994
Thailand, Burma dispute islet formed by overflowing river
AN islet created by the overflow of the Moei River has sparked a conflict
between Thailand and Burma after the Burmese authorities warned
Thailand to remove its national flag and began moving troops to guard
the area.
Task Force 34 Commander Maj-Gen Bunlue Jittavikul said heavy rain in
the past two months caused the river to overflow and changed the water
course, leaving a 1,100-rai island in the middle of the river in Mae Sot
district.
More than 100 farmers have reportedly lost a total of 400 rai of
agricultural land and have been unable to reclaim their property.
Maj-Gen Bunlue, chairman of the Local Thai-Burmese Border Committee,
has officially told the Burmese that the island is part of Thailand.
He earlier ordered that Thai national flags be planted on the island and
border patrol police be stationed to ensure safety for some of the farmers
who tried to slip into the area.
Burmese forces from Palu Camp then insisted that Thai citizens and
police personnel must leave the island immediately to prevent conflict
which could lead to bitter military clashes, Maj-Gen Banlue said
He said a meeting between Thai and Burmese authorities On August 24
proved unsuccessful after the Burmese refused to acknowledge that the
island belonged to Thailand
They cited an agreement on Thai-Burmese borderline signed in 1868
indicating that land created by the river must be regarded as a natural
border shared by the two countries.
Third Army Region Commander Lt-Gen Yingyod Chotipimai believes the
problem will be settled peacefully through compromise after a meeting
with the Burmese authorities next month in Taunggyi, Shan state.
Officials have been told to prepare land ownership documents on the
island and other information to substantiate Thailand's claim over the
"floating" territory.