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Bkk Post - Junta closes crossing to



Subject: Bkk Post - Junta closes crossing to Chiang Mai

Bangkok Post - Aug 19, 1999.
Junta closes crossing to Chiang Mai
Decision seen as tit-for-tat reaction

Post Reporters

Rangoon has ordered the closure of a border pass linking Chiang Mai with an
area under the control of the United Wa State Army.

Army officers said the Kiew Pha Waok pass, opposite Chiang Dao district, had
been closed without advance notification.

Two blindfolded United Wa State Army soldiers are chained at a military camp
in Chiang Mai following their arrest on Tuesday near the closed San Ton Du
checkpoint with 200 methamphetamine pills. _ SUBIN KHUENKAEW

They believed the closure was ordered by the regional commander in Kengtung
acting on instructions from the State Peace and Development Council in
Rangoon.

One officer speculated the move was linked to the closure of the San Ton Du
crossing between Mae Ai district, Chiang Mai, and the road leading to the Wa
bastion of Mong Yawn in Shan state.

The Rangoon junta has objected publicly to allegations in the Thai press
that it has given the Wa militia tacit support to produce amphetamines
destined for its trafficking network in Thailand.

The closure by Burma of crossings following that of San Ton Du had been
foreseen by a Burmese businessman close to Gen Than Shwe, leader of the
Rangoon regime.

Awei Min, who runs Hoh-kham Co, quoted a senior junta figure as saying Thai
authorities "might have nothing to do so they just want to take a cat for a
shower"-implying the cat was likely to scratch back.

Kiew Pha Waok was opened by Thai authorities at the request of local
businesses wanting to use the pass to ship construction materials and other
goods to Mong Yawn.

Gen Surayud Chulanont, the army chief, had earlier called for closure of the
pass, and the National Narcotics Operation Centre was moving in the same
direction.

A local official said: "Instead of raising the issue for discussion, the
Burmese prefer to act unilaterally in retaliation."