Bangkok post (6/6/98)news

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News headlines

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1:) Wa army becomes major drug producer

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<bold>Wa army becomes major drug producer

</bold>

<italic>Slowly seizes control of Khun Sa bases

</italic>

Subin Khuenkaew


The United Wa State Army has gained enough military strength to dominate
areas formerly controlled by the once-mighty Mong Tai Army of Khun Sa.
Also, it is slowly taking over narcotics production from the MTA.

	A military source said the Wa army has joined forces with the Khun Sa
old guard to expand its network along the trail of the MTA. The UWSA is
also entrusted by Rangoon to police the Thai-Burmese border.

	The United States is trying to block the rise of UWSA leader Wei
Hsuehkang, alias Prasit Chivinnitipanya with a handsome reward offer for
his capture.

	There are also rewards for three other men-two Burmese and a Thai_
wanted on drug charges in New York. This is in addition to a longstanding
reward for the capture of Khun Sa, who claims to have washed his hands of
the narcotics business.

	Feared as a new Khun Sa in the making, Wei is said to have enough
influence, ammunition and ambition to gain similar notoriety.

	"He certainly has what it takes to succeed Khun as a drug warlord," said
the source, adding the UWSA has increased its weapons stockpile in a bid
to consolidate its military power.

	The UWSA now controls a wide area encompassing the MTA's former bastions
opposite Chiang Rai's Mae Sai, Mae Chan, and Mae Fah Luang districts, and
Chiang Mai's Mae Ai, Fang and Chiang Dao districts.

	Its influence is slowly spreading over parts of the border opposite Mae
Hong Son. The source believes the UWSA is aiming to spread its domination
further south into Myawaddy opposite Tak province in order to facilitate
its amphetamine production and export.

	Gen Chettha Tannajaro, the army chief, yesterday maintained Thailand did
not have to hand over Khun Sa to the United States if he was arrested on
Thai soil.

	He said Thailand was an independent country with total freedom to treat
its foreign criminals as it saw fit.

	Meanwhile, a massive manhunt has been launched for a gang of drug
dealers who took two policemen hostage during a bungled sting 
operation.

	More than 100 officers including volunteers combed the area near Mae
Sot-Umphang road in Mae Sot district of Tak province yesterday looking
for four members of the drug gang and their hostages.

	The gang had demanded a ransom of 3 million baht and a getaway car in
exchange for the two officers, police said.

	The officers were attacked and taken hostage after the gang undercover
officers, police said.

	Police yesterday arrested Amporn Parptip, a suspected gang member, but
he denied knowing the where about of the others. 


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