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The BurmaNet News, March 25, 1997



------------------------ BurmaNet ------------------------  
"Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies"  
----------------------------------------------------------  
  
The BurmaNet News: March 25, 1997  
Issue #675
  
HEADLINES:  
==========  
NEW YORK TIMES: BILL CLINTON'S MOMENT ON MYANMAR
DEMOCRATIC BURMESE PROGRAM: BURMA SITUATION
THE NATION: SECURITY FORCES PREVENT MOSQUE ATTACK
THE NATION: MUSLIMS SEEN AS EASIEST TARGET IN BURMA
AP: ARMY REOPENS RANGOON SECTION 
ABSDF: STATEMENT ON THE CURRENT PROBLEM
NCUB: STATEMENT ON BUDDHIST MONKS-MUSLIM UNREST
NCUB: CONCERNS FOR REPATRIATION OF KAREN REFUGEES 
THE NATION: MALARIA, DIARRHOEA, FLU PLAGUE KAREN
SCMP: INTELLIGENCE CHIEF EYES POWER
ABSDF: TWO MUSICIANS SENTENCED TO JAIL IN RANGOON
BKK POST: BUSINESS AS USUAL FOR DRUG BARONS
BKK POST: AMPHETAMINE OUTPUT THRIVING ALONG BORDER
ALTSEAN: BURMA REFUGEE CRISIS
ALTSEAN-BURMA: NEW CONTACT DETAILS
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---   

NEW YORK TIMES:EDITORIAL-BILL CLINTON'S MOMENT ON MYANMAR
March 24, 1997

The decision whether to apply sanctions to Burma for its human rights abuses
now rests with President Clinton. Last July, Congress passed a law calling
for a ban on new American investment in that country if it's repressive
government harmed or rearrested the democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi or
cracked down on the democracy movement. The president's top foreign-policy
advisers are divided. For the sake not only of democracy in Burma, but also
of American credibility when dealing with other dictatorial regimes, Clinton
should invoke the law.

The case for sanctions on Burma is more convincing than perhaps anywhere
else in the world. If Clinton chooses not to apply them, there is little
reason any other abusive country should take Washington's tough talk seriously.

By all credible accounts, including the State Department's annual human
rights report, Burma's government has met if not exceeded the conditions in
the sanctions legislation. In 1996, the worst year of repression in this
decade, it detained hundreds of students and activists and held Mrs. Suu
Kyi under virtual house arrest in December. Mrs. Suu Kyi, who would be
Burma's elected leader had the government not annulled 1990 elections, has
appealed to Washington to apply the sanctions.

The sanctions would also cost American business little. The United States
currently has only about $220 million invested in the country, almost all of
it in oil and gas projects. Many American companies have already pulled out
in response to public pressure and new laws in Massachusetts and
several cities prohibiting government contracts with companies that do
business in Burma.

Because investment is relatively small, sanction opponents have argued that
the action would have little impact, and that other businesses, mostly from
Asia, could fill the gap. Sanctions would indeed be more effective if they
were joined by European and other nations that have criticized Burma's
government. So far, Washington has not persuaded them, although
administration officials have made only a halfhearted attempt. But American
allies may be more likely to join if Washington takes a bold first step.

Even though American investment is small, the United States is still Burma's
biggest investor. Moreover, the country's economic desperation -- its hard
currency reserves would last only a few weeks -- would
magnify the impact of sanctions.

Opponents also argue that once sanctions are applied, Washington's influence
would dissolve. That is a rationale for paralysis. Washington's leverage in
a case like this is useless if it is perpetually held in reserve. With Burma
there are few of the complicating considerations that come with a country
like China. If Clinton ever intends to stand firmly behind the principle of
human rights, this is the time and the place.

***************************************

 DEMOCRATIC BURMESE PROGRAM: BURMA SITUATION UPDATE
March 23, 1997
 
* The SLORC  still  denied claims by a Thailand-based , the All-Burma Young
Monks Union, that 16 monks had died in  custody and that the deaths had
triggered the riots.
* Two monks were wounded by ricochets in Tuesday's unrest, residents said.
Diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity, told  the Associated Press in
Bangkok that at least one monk had died of  gunshot wounds.
* The Maha Myat Muni Pagoda [Mandalay], which holds a revered Buddha, was
swarming with pilgrims and monks found  SLORC members  stole the  Gold  from
Buddha image. Actual  problem started  from that  stage.
* A group of about 50 [ SLORC' agents  Buddhist monks]  desecrated a Muslim
mosque in the northeastern quarter of the Burmese capital Saturday,
eyewitnesses told  reporters. 
* SLORC' monks arrived in cars at the mosque in Kanbe[Rangoon], where they
struck the mosque with sticks and stones, riots police let them do it  for
several minutes one eyewitness said. 

Source sent  by secret  communication  from Rangoon.

Democratic Burmese Program [ http://users.imagiware.com/wtongue/ ]

***************************************

THE NATION: SECURITY FORCES PREVENT MOSQUE ATTACK BY MONKS
March 24, 1997
AFP

Rangoon - Security forces prevented a group about 100 monks from attacking
another mosque in Rangoon yesterday amid tight security around mosques and
monasteries and spreading communal unrest, witnesses said.
	There were no clashes, as the monks put on what observers called "a show of
defiance", but dispersed when the authorities halted their march from the
Kodatgyi Monastery on a mosque in the city's western Myenigone township.
	Soldiers barricaded the area around the monastery, and a young Muslim from
the Myenigone mosque said that the situation was under control.
	Elders from the mosque informed the authorities that "we would not provoke
any trouble, but we would defend our property if necessary", he said.
	Some 200 monks vandalised three mosques in Rangoon's Ahlone and Kemmendine
townships late on Saturday, following incidents earlier in the day involving
a group of more than 50 monks.
	The house of a Muslim man already serving time in prison for slapping a
young monk was destroyed, and then a mosque nearby in Yankin township was
ransacked, as loose property was pulled outside and set on fire.
	Monks gathered around a monastery in Yankin again yesterday, but security
forces arrived and no incidents were provoked, witnesses said.
	A military intelligence source confirmed the attack in Yankin, blaming it
on opponents of the regime who wished to cause problems ahead of Burma's
expected entry" into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in July.
	Burma is expected to become a member of Asean - which groups the
predominantly Muslim Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia with the Philippines,
Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam - but the July entry date has not been
confirmed.
	The unrest in Burma was sparked in the northern city of Mandalay last
weekend by a group of monks protesting the release of Muslims involved in
the attempted rape of a young Buddhist girl, analysts said.
	Failing to gain satisfaction from the authorities, the monks proceeded to
vandalise nearby Muslim property and mosques, they said.
	Meanwhile, monks in Sagaing town, adjacent to Mandalay, have also gone on
the rampage.
	Authorities closed the bridge from Sagaing to prevent monks from joining
their counterparts in Mandalay, so they were beginning to stage incidents on
their own, the reports said, without providing details.
	Monks in Mandalay, an important religious centre, had ransacked, mosques
and destroyed Muslim property, and at least one novice monk had died of
gunshot wounds in the incidents, according to diplomats and other sources.
	Tension was high in Mandalay in the run-up to the incident, as the monks
had learned recently that 16 of their number had died in prison after being
detained by the authorities on various charges, they said.
	Attempts to demonstrate against the deaths had been thwarted by the
military authorities, and the release of the Muslim suspects provided a
target for the frustration building among the younger monks, analysts said.
	Gen Tin Oo, the junta's second secretary, was quoted in the official press
yesterday as blaming foreign-backed subversives who were attempting to
"drive a wedge between the national brethren".
	But statements from opposition groups received in Bangkok said that the
authorities had instigated the unrest to distract people from economic
troubles and oppression.
	The military, which has ruled Burma since 1962, "has always instigated
conflict between Buddhists and Muslims [or the Chinese] in times of
discontent and economic hardship when people are taking to the streets", one
analyst said.
	Calm prevailed in most of Rangoon yesterday, and reportedly in other towns
affected by the unrest as well. Analysts said that the authorities want to
ensure that the population will not join the monks in political protests.
	Monks are widely respected in Burma and played a central role in nationwide
pro-democracy demonstrations in 1988, which sparked a bloody crackdown and
the replacement of the previous military government by the current junta.
	Muslims represent only 3.9 per cent of Burma's people, while Buddhists
account for 85 per cent of the population. (TN)

*******************************************************

THE NATION: MUSLIMS SEEN AS EASIEST TARGET IN VOLATILE BURMA
(abridged)
March 24, 1997

The latest communal trouble is due to ethnic and economic frustrations,
Agence France Presse reports.

	The eruption of violence between Buddhists and Muslims in Burma is the
result of long simmering frustration against the ruling junta combined with
historical animosities, analysts said yesterday.
	Burmese authorities have blamed the incidents on individuals trying to sow
instability in Burma, while other observers say the monks singled out
Muslims for attack since they were unable to express their rage against the
junta.
	"It is my firm belief that their next target will be the Hindus if problems
between Buddhists and [Muslims] ... do not [meet] their expectations," said
one military intelligence official.
	Muslims and Buddhists in Burma have a long standing animosity stemming from
preferential treatment given to Indian Muslims by the British authorities in
the former colonial administration.
	Other observers say that ethnic tensions have also been on the rise in
Mandalay between the Burman majority and ethnic Chinese, many of whom have
been prospering economically thanks to a booming trade with China.
	"The Burmans feel they are being shafted economically by the Chinese in
Mandalay," said one diplomat.
	However, the diplomat added, the Chinese were seen as being too powerful
and having close ties to the military authorities, and as a result, monks
reflexively went on the rampage against the less affluent Muslims. (TN)

*******************************************************

AP: ARMY REOPENS RANGOON SECTION 
(abridged)
March 24, 1997

BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) -- Burma's military reopened a Muslim section
of downtown Rangoon today after friction eased between Muslims and
Buddhist monks. 
	Today, fewer troops were visible around the mosques, crumbling British
colonial buildings and dingy shop houses of downtown Rangoon,
witnesses said. However, 30 soldiers still guarded a mosque in the suburb of
Yankin that had been ransacked by 80 Buddhist monks on Saturday. 
	A large military presence is already in and around the city in preparation
for Armed Forces Day, a national holiday, on Thursday. 
	Mogul Street, a main thoroughfare in the Muslim section of Rangoon and a
black market money changing center, was reopened to traffic this morning
after troops had cordoned it off Sunday, a witness said. 
	Soldiers politely asked about 50 monks approaching a mosque in the
Myenigone district of Rangoon to return to their monastery Sunday,
which witnesses said they did peacefully. 
	Monks also attempted to ransack a mosque in the Ahlone section of Rangoon,
not far from the homes of many high-ranking military officers. The army once
again intervened. 
	Rumors had spread around the city that dozens of monks had been
arrested, but no one could confirm those reports. 
	The authorities have sharply curtailed political activities, and despite
some economic gains, inflation remains high at more than 30 percent annually. 
	
****************************************

ABSDF: STATEMENT ON THE CURRENT PROBLEM INVOLVING BUDDHISTS MONKS 
March 24, 1997

1. On March 15 two Muslim men attempted to rape a young Burmese woman in
Mandalay. The incident lead to religious conflict between Buddhists monks
and Muslims in Mandalay, and the conflict has now spread to other cities
across the country.

2. We believe that the current unrest is partly a result of frustrations
experienced by Burmese Buddhist monks who have fought for the restoration of
justice after a severe crackdown on the monks following the 1988 uprising.
We, however, suspect that the SLORC, as always, is  fomenting conflict
between the Buddhist monks and the Muslims in order to divert attention from
the country's economic and political problems. Successive military regimes
in Burma have created communal, racial or religious conflicts to divert the
focus of attention from political and
economic problems whenever such problems are imminent.

3. While people from all walks of life are struggling for their rights,
SLORC is facing a social, political and economic crisis. This crisis has the
potential to lead to an explosive situation in Burma. 

4. "All the shortcomings in Burma are the end result of prevailing
injustice, a void of the rule of law and lack of fundamental rights. It is
upsetting to note that the followers of different religions - Buddhists,
Muslims, Christians - are all being oppressed and are all being denied
freedom of religion. Similarly, it is important for the people of Burma to
remember that the military government is our common target and all the
existing problems in Burma are the result of 34 years of military rule.

5. We request that the members of all the different religions be vigilant of
the SLORC's tactics and that they refrain from participating in any communal
conflict. We also request that the leaders of all religious orders find a
peaceful solution to the problems without harboring any animosity. We urge
the people of Burma to bear in mind the importance of restoring democracy
and human rights in our country and steadfastly work towards this ultimate goal.

Central Committee
All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF)
Date: March 24, 1997      

************************

NCUB: STATEMENT ON CURRENT BUDDHIST MONKS-MUSLIM UNREST
March 24, 1997

The National Council of the Union of Burma (NCUB), has been following
closely recent events that have occurred in Burma. We regret that the
alleged rape of a Burmese girl by two Muslim men occurred and demand a
proper response from the authorities within a legal framework.

The NCUB fears that the current political crisis within the country
involving the SLORC and religious communities is being used to divert the
increasing public anger towards the military regime away from the real issues.

"Religion is severely oppressed by the SLORC which has so far denied real
freedom of religious practice", said Moe Thee Zun, Joint General Secretary
of the NCUB.

According to sources inside the country there are many rumours that there is
a power struggle between Lt. Gen. Khin Nyunt, chief of Military Intelligence
and General Maung Aye who is currently the Deputy-Supreme Commander in Chief
of the Burma Armed Forces.

" The intelligence faction led by Lt. Gen. Khin Nyunt has up till now taken
a major role in policy since the reported end of General Ne Win's power and
we believe there is a struggle between this groups and those loyal to army
commanders," said the NCUB spokesman.

"This could be a plan from a faction within the SLORC army to instigate
further unrest so that the army will be called in to stop the situation from
deteriorating further. But the Intelligence community is also making it
clear that without them the army does not  have enough information to
respond" said a student leader in Rangoon.

"In order to control the possibility of a mass movement against them, the
SLORC is diverting the peoples attention away from the real issues and
creating division within our communities" he said.

The NCUB strongly urges the people of Burma including all religious
communities not to fall into this trap. This situation has occurred in the
past and we urge everyone to keep their eyes on the struggle for the
restoration of democracy and human rights in Burma.

Information Committee
National Council of the Union of Burma (NCUB)

**********************************

NCUB: CONCERNS FOR REPATRIATION OF KAREN REFUGEES 
IN KANCHANABURI AREA
March 24, 1997

The National Council of the Union of Burma (NCUB), is extremely
concerned over reports that the Commander of the Thai Ninth Army
recently lectured refugees currently fleeing from the State Law and Order
Restoration Council (SLORC) military offensive in the Karen State.

According to sources on the border, the Commander explained to the Karen
refugees that he had been assured by the SLORC that there would be no harm
if the refugees go back.

"If you don't want to go back, where will you stay?" He was reportedly
quoted as saying in a lecture that lasted for three hours on March 22nd.

"Karen refugees have been fleeing into Thailand in order to escape not only
from the recent fighting but also from large scale human rights abuses
including political oppression, forced labour, porterage, torture, arbitrary
arrests, rape, looting, disappearance and extra-judicial killing committed
by the SLORC," said Moe Thee Zun, Joint General Secretary of the NCUB.

The NCUB earnestly appeals to the Royal Thai Government not to repatriate
the Karen refugees as the situation in our country is very dangerous for
unarmed innocent civilians. We also request the Royal Thai Government to
ensure the security of innocent civilians as they have done in the past,
especially those who have managed to escape from this current offensive.

Information Committee
National Council of the Union of Burma (NCUB)

***********************************

THE NATION: MALARIA, DIARRHOEA, FLU PLAGUE KAREN REFUGEES
March 24, 1997
Reuter

	The Thai Public Health Ministry said yesterday that more than 1,700 Karen
refugees fleeing fighting in Burma were suffering from diarrhoea, flu and
malaria at their rugged settlement areas inside Thailand.
	Two had died recently of diarrhoea, the ministry said.
	It said in a statement that the Thai medical team sent to care for more
than 3,000 refugees living in camps in Kanchanaburi and Ratchaburi provinces
found that 1,791 ethnic Karens were seriously ill.
	"Among the sick, 1003 were afflicted with diarrhoea and two of them died
recently," it said, adding that 575 were suffering from flu and 134 were
infected with malaria.
	Nearly 100,000 Karen refugees had fled to Thailand from fighting between
the Karen National Union (KNU) and Burmese government troops. Their
sprawling settlement camps are run by international relief agencies and the
Karen Refugees Committee, a KNU affiliate.
	The UNHCR, which has provided humanitarian assistance for the refugees,
said its officials would travel to the Thai-Burmese border next week to
inspect the camps. (TN)

*******************************************************

SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST: INTELLIGENCE CHIEF EYES POWER
March 24, 1997
William Barnes In Bangkok 

Crackdown: General Khin Nyunt 

	As Burma's army chiefs prepare to replace fading junta leader General Than
Shwe - possibly by as soon as Thursday - the country's intelligence hard man
is emerging as a foil to his less flexible colleagues.
	Lieutenant-General Khin Nyunt was once branded the "Prince of Evil" by his
many critics.
	He is now described in terms approaching that of a closet liberal
struggling for power over the hardliners.
	Burma watchers argue the ascendancy of the hardliners will be cemented by
the replacement of General Than Shwe with the chief of the Army, General
Maung Aye.
	The move could happen soon since Thursday's Army Day is the traditional
time for a military reshuffle.
	When the old dictator, Ne Win, marched on Rangoon's Saya San Hall to
announce his surprise "retirement" in 1988, a stony-faced then Colonel Khin
Nyunt was seen moving in his shadow.
	By that stage he had already been the hand-picked leader of the widely
feared military intelligence service for nearly five years and appeared to
be Ne Win's heir apparent.
	In 1989 he led the propaganda campaign that sought to justify the crackdown
against the National League for Democracy, and the arrest of the party's
leadership - including Aung San Suu Kyi - by claiming it was secretly
controlled by communists.
	One speech was distributed in book form as The Conspiracy of Treasonous
Minions with Myanmar and Traitorous Cohorts Abroad.
	Diplomats said he sought the same year to justify the massacre of hundreds
of civilian protesters - many of them students and children - as necessary
to curb "looters and unsavoury elements" who had "taken advantage of the
army's kindness".
	Yet, in recent months, members of the Burmese opposition and diplomats have
said that General Khin Nyunt is a relative liberal compared to General Maung
Aye, the man who appears to be winning the current struggle for supremacy.
	Even the general's bitter enemies admit he is clever, worldly by the
standards of the Burmese military and a strategist who likes to stay a step
or two ahead of his rivals.
	He is said to have wanted to at least broach the subject of talks with Ms
Aung San Suu Kyi and to pursue peace talks with ethnic Karen insurgents to
end their 50-year rebellion.
	But to the army chiefs in the State Law and Order Council, as the junta
styles itself, these moves smack of weakness.
	They are said to distrust and dislike General Khin Nyunt for running a
shadowy organisation that keeps tabs on them all without ever having
commanded fighting troops.
	Diplomats believe that the rise of General Maung Aye is probably reflected
in recent moves to isolate Ms Aung San Suu Kyi, the arrest of dozens of her
political activists - including General Khin Nyunt's brother-in-law - and
the current attempt to find a military solution to the Karen rebellion.
	The intelligence chief's star may have fallen because "concessions" like
the release of Ms Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest in 1996 did not bring
the global acceptance the junta might have expected.
	The impending admission of Burma into the Association of Southeast Asian
Nations may also have convinced hardliners that they can carry on without
the blessing of their many critics in the West.
	One diplomat summed up the situation by saying: "Right now, Maung Aye's
rise shows that a liberal opening in Burma is further away than ever." (SCMP)

***************************************

ABSDF: TWO MUSICIANS SENTENCED TO JAIL IN RANGOON
March 24, 1997

It was reported that two musicians, Ko Min Maw and Ko Zaw Win from "Shwe
Than Zin" band were arrested by the Slorc military intelligence and recently
sentenced to jail for seven years in Rangoon for creating of two democracy
songs.

The two musicians recorded these two democracy songs in May studio in
Rangoon and sent the songs to Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB) based in Oslo,
Norway for broadcasting. These two songs were broadcasted on third March,
tenth March and 17th March from DVB's "Songs in the sky section". May studio
was also raided and the owner of studio was investigated by the Slorc MI.

According to the sources from Rangoon, U Hla Min, the National
League for Democracy (NLD) elected representative from Kot Thaung
(Victoria Point) constituency, Tennamsrim Division was arrested
by the Slorc MI for having connections with the two musicians.

************************************

BKK POST: BUSINESS AS USUAL FOR DRUG BARONS
March 23, 1997
Surat Jinakul and Prasong Charasdamrong

Despite success in curtailing the heroin trade, drug warlords continue their
illicit business by concentrating their efforts on amphetamine production

	A man in casual dress stepped out of a dark blue sedan in the heart of
Rangoon and glanced at people on the crowded sidewalk before rushing into a
four-star Chinese restaurant. Following him was a throng of army personnel,
some of whom were equipped with machine guns.
	The restaurant was empty. Someone had apparently been there to "clear the
scene" for his convenient visit.
	The man settled down on the nearest table.
	"Come on, sit with me. Order some good food," he told his men.
	"Let's eat, drink and go crazy."
	As they called for menus, curious foreign tourists peeked inside.
	"Sorry sir," the guard told the tourists. "All tables are reserved."
	The would-be customers left without saying a word. But people in the drug
trade would immediately recognise that the man at the head of the table is
alleged drug warlord Khun Sa.
	His Thai name is Chan Charngtrakul. He is also known by the Chinese name of
Chang Si Fu.
	A new life in Rangoon: In early 1996, Khun Sa defected to Rangoon,
admitting that his years of struggle for an independent Shan State was hopeless.
	Since then, he has been under "house arrest" in the Burmese capital, living
in the same residential area as Gen Than Shwe of the ruling State Law and
Order Restoration Council (Slorc).
	It isn't a secret that while under "house arrest," the former drug baron is
free to do as he pleases.
	Any time he wants to eat out, the Burmese military rulers will order that a
restaurant is closed one hour in advance.
	"Is he really under house arrest?" people ask.
	High society people in Rangoon believe that the former drug kingpin has
become the "Godfather of Rangoon," with more power than ever. Observers say
his defection was designed to move his headquarters from the jungle town of
Ban Ho Mong to the Burmese capital. His men outside Rangoon and on the
mountains are still loyal to him.
	According to different sources, the Burmese generals not only allow Khun Sa
to continue with legal transportation businesses he set up before his
surrender, but they also allow him to take part in some underground
activities which the Burmese authorities repeatedly turn a blind eye to.
	These "activities" include gambling dens and brothels in Rangoon, the
narcotics trade along the borders with China, Thailand and Laos and the
smuggling of girls for prostitution.
	Still the good old days: Because the heroin trade in the Golden Triangle
has been suppressed, Khun Sa and his former Mong Tai Army members switched
to producing amphetamines, methamphetamine (a derivative of amphetamines
known in Thai as yaa baa) and methamphetamine pills mixed with heroin, said
a source in the Police Narcotics Suppression Bureau.
	"The pills are easier to make and sell than heroin. And they get the money
more quickly," he said.
	It was earlier reported that the Red Wa (United Wa State Army) had filled
the power vacuum left by Khun Sa's defection to the Burmese ruling junta.
But a high-ranking Thai police officer said Khun Sa's gang "is still very
powerful."
	"They are no less powerful than the Red Wa," he said.
	Thai anti-narcotics officials confirmed that heroin-laced yaa baa has been
smuggled into Thailand from areas under the influence of Khun Sa's gang and
the United Wa State Army in the Golden Triangle.
	"We're trying to get some samples of the drugs," said an official.
	Thai and foreign reports, including the annual US report on drug
trafficking, have noted an alarming rate of amphetamines pouring into
Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia from the Golden Triangle.
	The Khun Sa gang and the United Wa State Army are now controlling the
production and trade of yaa baa, which is worth over 100 billion baht a
year, according to police narcotics suppression sources.
	From Yunnan to Thailand: This year's US report on drug trafficking says
that Thailand remains a major centre in the smuggling of narcotic drugs,
which include heroin, methamphetamine and amphetamines. 
	Thai official sources say the Khun Sa gang and the United Wa State Army are
directing drug activities in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos from their bases in
Burma.
	They obtain chemicals from southern China, Pakistan and India to produce
yaa baa at their laboratories in the Shan State and areas along the borders
with Thailand and Laos.
	According to anti-narcotics officials, the Khun Sa gang has yaa baa
production laboratories along the border opposite the Thai provinces of
Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son. The Red Wa has two laboratories
opposite Tak.
	Khun Sa's men also operate at least five laboratories in Laos, which send
thousands of yaa baa pills into the Thai provinces of Loei, Nong Khai, Udon
Thani, and Nakhon Phanom.
	The factories: After obtaining raw materials, these laboratories cook up
several batches of amphetamines, pure yaa baa, and yaa baa mixed with heroin.
	There are five factories in Doi Pha Mee opposite Chiang Rai's Mae Chan
district and in Lao Lor Chai mountain further inside Burma.
	There are four factories in Doi Lang and Muang Yuam in Burma opposite
Chiang Mai's Fang district and opposite Mae Jai district.
	There are eight factories along the border with Mae Hong Son: In Doi Man
Thong mountain opposite Muang district, in the Burmese villages of Ban Ta
Lae, Ban Luang Pa Nang, Ban Huey Krai, Ban Mae Yuabyarb, Ban Klong Luang and
Ban Huey Pao opposite Pai district, and at Ban Ho Mong (the former base of
the Mong Tai Army) opposite Muang district.
	There are several factories under the control of the 1,000-strong United Wa
State Army. They bring or provide support for those who bring chemicals from
China to Burma and Thailand. Their influence has spread from border areas
opposite Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai down to remote areas opposite Tak.
	Intelligence reports say there are more than five factories which produce
amphetamines and heroin-laced amphetamines in Laos. These labs are in areas
of the tribal Mong and Lao Therng, who were once allied to the nationalist
movement of Gen Wang Pao. They are now under the influence of the Khun Sa gang.
	There are also some factories in Cambodia.
	Smuggling routes: The drugs and chemicals are smuggled into Thailand
through secret routes in Mae Sai, Chiang Kong, Chiang Saen and the Chiang
Kham districts of Chiang Rai; the western part of Phayao province; Khun
Yuam, Ma La Noi and the Mae Sariang districts of Mae Hong Son; Viang Haeng
district of Chiang Mai; and Tak province on the western border.
	From Laos, the drugs are smuggled into Santisuk and the Mae Jarim districts
of Nan; the Fak Tha district of Uttaradit; Pak Chom, Tha Lee and the Na Haew
districts of Loei; Nakhon Phanom; Nong Khai; Mukdahan; Ubon Ratchaathani;
and Sa Kaew in the eastern border.
	In the West and South, yaa baa and raw materials are smuggled into
Kanchanaburi, Phetchaburi and Chumphon.
	"The traffickers bring in methaphetamine, amphetamines and heroin-laced yaa
baa along these routes," a police source revealed.
	While heroin produced from these illicit factories is mainly destined for
Western countries, yaa baa is meant for markets in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia,
Vietnam, and in Burma itself.
	Tourism in disguise: "It is very easy to smuggle amphetamine concentrates
and pills into Thailand, and later onto Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam via the
Mekong River," a police source said.
	"The smugglers just sail along the river, which runs from China and passes
through Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam."
	This route has become popular after the launch of a joint tourism promotion
campaign involving the four countries of China, Thailand, Burma and Laos,
the source noted.
	The tourism promotion is part of the quadrangle economic zone initiated by
the Thai government of Gen Chatichai Choonhavan in early 1990. Drug
suppression agencies say it unintentionally provides a convenient route for
drug trafficking.
	The "Four Chiang" campaign seeks to promote tourism in Thailand's Chiang
Khong, Laos' Chiang Muan, Burma's Chiang Tung and China's Chiang Rung
through travels along the Mekong River.
	"This has become a new route for drug traffickers," a police source said.
Illicit substances have been found hidden among goods and the luggage of
travellers. (BP)

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BKK POST: AMPHETAMINE OUTPUT THRIVING ALONG THAI-BURMESE BORDER
March 23, 1997
Supradit Kanwanich

	Ban Ho Mong, the former headquarters of Khun Sa, is now a major clandestine
amphetamine laboratory, according to an informed source.
	Besides Ban Ho Mong, the drug is also being produced along the Thai-Burmese
border and in northern Burma near the Chinese border.
	These clandestine factories are run by the same gangs that used to run the
heroin networks in Thailand.
	To maintain their secret operation, the drug mafia in Ban Ho Mong bribed
some officials in charge of the town, claimed the source, who sells goods to
border villages.

 	Most of the people at Ban Ho Mong are of the Shan minority and many of
them, along with some Burmese soldiers guarding the border, are addicted to
the drug. Corrupt Burmese officials have warned the drug mafia to be
cautious in selling the drug to Thai traders. If the Thai traders are
arrested by Thai authorities, they may reveal the source of amphetamines,
they said.
	Burmese authorities once raided the house of a well-known Shan in Ban Mong
Mai, also in the vicinity of Ban Ho Mong township. Three pill-stamping
machines and amphetamine pills were confiscated, the source said.
	However, the suspect was freed after a former senior officer of the Mong
Tai Army told the Burmese officials that the suspect was a long-time adviser
to the MTA.
	The source claimed that some Thai businessmen in Mae Hong Son also financed
the drug operation at Ban Ho Mong. They delivered their money to the drug
gang every three months.
	The pills are smuggled into Thailand through several border passes at Ban
Huay Phueng and Ban Mailun in Muang district and through several secret
trails at Ban Khai Luang in the Pang Ma Pha district of Mae Hong Son.
 	Most of the amphetamines produced at Ban Ho Mong and other laboratories
are sent to Ban Mae Suya in the Muang district of Mae Hong Son. From there,
they are delivered to Chiang Mai by road or on foot.
	At Ban Ho Mong, buyers of large shipments (over 100,000 pills) pay 12 baht
per pill. For smaller shipments, the price per pill is higher.
	A courier who conveys a weekly shipment of over 100,000 pills to the Thai
financier is paid between 5,000 and 10,000 baht.
	The source said that Thai amphetamine producers from Lampang and Phrae have
been hired to train Khun Sa's followers as well as the Thai syndicates
associated with the former warlord. Production machines were also allegedly
smuggled from Thailand.
	Mong Thai Army dissidents are also involved in the production and provide
protection for the drug mafia in areas controlled by Burmese soldiers. They
use the money to carry on their fight for autonomy from the Rangoon
Government, the source said.
	Reports about amphetamine production at Ban Ho Mong were confirmed by Mr
Bunpot Piamdee, chief of the Northern Narcotics Control Centre under the
Office of Narcotics Control Board. But Mr Bunpot said there were no more
than 20 labs along the border and not 80-100 as earlier reported.
	He said many followers of Khun Sa turned to amphetamine production along
the Thai-Burmese border in Mae Hong Son and Chiang Rai. Thai narcotics
control officials raided a heroin refinery at the border in Pang Ma Pha
district opposite Ban Ho Mong in April last year and found amphetamine
pill-stamping machines there.
	A month later, two Thais who went to collect forest produce at the border
in Chiang Rai's Ma Fah Luang district were found shot dead with their hands
tied.
	A police search team later found an amphetamine laboratory in a cave along
with some pills stamped with the Thai alphabet "Lor Chula" and number "99".
It was the first discovery of its kind in the North.
	Mr Bunpot said anti-narcotics officers in the North have confiscated about
1.4-1.5 million pills a month in the northern provinces, especially in
Chiang Rai, since the beginning of this year.
	The suspects said they obtained the pills from the border in the Mae Sai
and Chiang Saen districts of Chiang Rai. New ingredients such as cafeine,
herbicide, formaldehyde and chocolate are mixed with amphetamines to appeal
to a wide range of consumers.
	The Wa minority, seeking autonomy from the Rangoon Government, also
operates amphetamine labs opposite Mae Ai district in Chaing Mai and along
the border between Mae Hong Son and Chiang Rai, Mr Bunpot said.
	Narcotics officials have confiscated a large number of pills stamped with
the "WY" logo of the Wa, he said. (BP)

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ALTSEAN: BURMA REFUGEE CRISIS
March 24, 1997

SUPPORT HAS BEEN REQUESTED TO:
1. Prevent the forcible repatriation of more than 100,000 Burma refugees
currently in Thailand.
2. Persuade the authorities of Thailand to grant temporary asylum to new
refugees fleeing the current SLORC military regime's offensive in Karen
state.

	On March 11, Thailand's National Security Council announced its resolution
to repatriate all Burma refugees when the situation became "safe".  There
are at least 100,000 refugees currently camped in Thailand along its border
with Burma. It appears that Thai authorities have already begun preparations
for the mass repatriation.
	These preparations are taking place at the same time that thousands of
newly arriving refugees (fleeing renewed attacks by the Slorc) are either
being prevented from entering Thailand or are being repatriated.  Those
newly-arrived refugees who were allowed to enter Thailand are now being told
that their repatriation is imminent.  They are being confined to camps
without adequate care, shelter or access to medical assistance.  The Thai
military refuse to recognize these people as refugees and are severely
limiting access by NGOs and relief agencies.
	Foreign officials have been told that the Thai army will not send the
refugees back against their will, however, recent military activities on the
border contradict these assurances and give grave cause for concern that
this is indeed taking place.
	The refugee communities are now in a state of extreme fear and anxiety.  It
is clearly unsafe for them to return to Burma.  The SLORC has tightened
security throughout Burma and has increased its harassment and violations
against the peoples of Burma.  Despite SLORC assurances that its troops will
not harm villages,  human rights organizations report that most homes were
looted in SLORC-occupied villages.  Many civilians have been forced to work
for the military as slave labor.  There have also been numerous instances of
rape and murder.  International organizations, including UN agencies, have
not received any indication that the Slorc intends to decrease its
oppressive campaign against ethnic nationalities, the democracy movement and
civilian citizens of Burma.
WHAT PEOPLE CAN DO-
WRITE POLITE LETTERS TO:
1. Lodge your grave concern at the crisis
2. Seek the suspension of repatriation activities until
   a) the Slorc ceases violating the rights of  people in Burma
   b) the Slorc ceases to loot villages , and commit violence, including
rape and murder upon villages
   c) the Slorc engages in tripartite dialogue with the democracy movement
led by Aung San Suu Kyi and ethnic nationalities
   d) international relief and monitoring agencies are allowed into Burma as
well as the Thai-Burma border areas without obstruction
   e) it is guaranteed that any repatriation can be implemented in full
accordance with the standards if international practice.
3. Seek that the government of Thailand recognize the new arrivals as
refugees and accord ALL refugees access to monitoring and aid agencies in
accordance with international standards.
4. Emphasise that refugees will continue to be forced to flee their homes
until genuine peace and justice is restored to Burma.

PLEASE SEND LETTERS TO:
His Majesty King  Bhumibol Adulyadej
c/o the Royal Secretary
Fax: 66 2 225 8156 - 8, 225 3457
The Grand Palace
Phra Chan Road
Bangkok 10200
(Salutation: Your Majesty)
Note: It is traditional practice for people to seek the King's intervention
to resolve difficult crises and problems.  Please thank His Majesty for his
compassion and generosity in welcoming refugees in the past and call upon
him to continue exercising this compassion by intervening to alleviate this
crisis.

Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh
Fax: 66 2 281 4358, 280 1443
(Salutation: Dear Prime Minister)

The Secretary-General
National Security Council of Thailand
Fax: 66 2 280 1681
(Salutation: Dear Sir)

The Chairperson
Human Rights Committee, Parliament of Thailand
Fax: 66 2 244 1625 - 6
(Salutation: Dear Sir)

Your government's Foreign Affairs Ministry

The local representative office of the UNHCR

The Bangkok Post (Fax: 66 2 240 3666, email: postbag@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx) 
The Nation (Fax: 66 2 317 2071, email: editor@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx)

If possible, please send a delegation your closest Thai diplomatic mission
to present a copy of your letter.  This would be an opportunity to focus
your local media on the issue.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Please note our new contact details with immediate effect:

ALTSEAN-BURMA (Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma)
<altsean@xxxxxxxxxx>
Tel: 66 2 275 1811
Tel/fax: 66 2 693 4515

Our postal address remains as
c/o Forum-Asia
109 Suthisarnwinichai road
Samsennok, Huaykwang
Bangkok 10320
Thailand

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