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Bkk Post-Border clash leaves seven



Subject: Bkk Post-Border clash leaves seven rebels dead

Bangkok Post-April 19, 1999
FANG MASSACRE

Border clash leaves seven rebels dead
Killing of 9 villagers described as brutal

Kanchanaburi-Seven Karen rebels were killed during a clash with Burmese
soldiers along the Thai-Burmese border on Friday night.

The fighting took place in Ban Tong Sun, a Burmese village opposite this
province, said a border source, adding seven members of the anti-Rangoon
Karen National Union were killed during the brief gun battle.

Burmese soldiers seized six AK-47 assault rifles, three pistols, one RPG
rocket launcher and four RPG rockets from the dead rebels. Sources said
Rangoon has reinforced its troops along its border with Thailand last month
as part of its offensive against ethnic minority groups hiding along the
border.
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PM attend srites, hands out money

Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai has urged anyone with information about the
Fang district massacre to come forward.

The premier also described the killing of nine villagers as brutal.

The premier told relatives of the murder victims it was a "serious and
brutal crime" that saddened everyone, adding; "I was most eager to know
first-hand what happened when I received the report about the
murder."Apparently disturbed by the incident, he said he had wanted to visit
relatives to personally extend his condolences earlier but said he did not
have the time. Mr Chuan yesterday joined a religious ceremony mourning the
deaths and gave relatives some cash.

The nine villagers were killed earlier this month while gathering forest
produce near Doi Ang Khan-some two kilometres from Fang district's Ban Mae
Soon Noi.

A gang of Burma's ethnic Wa were earlier suspected of gunning down the
villagers near the Thai-Burmese border but there has been no hard evidence
to link them. The murder was reportedly motivated by a conflict over the
drugs trade.

Although the case remained inconclusive, steadfast investigations by the
police and the military have continued, Mr Chuan said.

He called on residents who may have any lead to contact authorities so that
they can narrow their investigation and quickly bring the murderers to
justice.


Mr Chuan stressed that investigators needed time to map out investigation
strategies, adding his Burmese counterpart was as committed to solving
border-related problems as he was.