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Bkk Post-FIGHTING ACROSS THAI-BURMA



Subject: Bkk Post-FIGHTING ACROSS THAI-BURMA BORDER

Bkk post-May 12, 1999.
FIGHTING ACROSS THAI-BURMA BORDER

300 Karen seek refuge here

Some 300 Karen refugees have fled into Suan Pueng district of Ratchaburi
following a clash between the Karen rebels and Burmese troops.

The refugees, mostly women, elders and children, crossed over via Pong Haeng
border pass and Ban Purakam. They were now under the care of Suranaree Task
Force.

It was reported a rapid deployment unit of Rangoon troops which has been on
the offensive against the Karen National Union guerrillas, clashed some five
kilometres from the border opposite Tambon Tanaosri, sending local Burmese
fleeing for their lives.

An army intelligence source said more violence was expected as Burma wanted
to suppress the minority rebels ahead of the planned Asean meeting in
Rangoon.

Meanwhile, Burma has cancelled a border trade seminar which was to be hosted
by Tak authorities today.

A source said Burma withdrew at the last minute because of the continued
border conflict and Thailand's refusal to endorse a trade agreement brokered
in March 1996 by M.R. Kasemsamosorn Kasemsri, the former foreign affairs
deputy minister, and Lt-Gen Tun Kyi, Burma's former commerce minister.