--------------------------BurmaNet--------------------------- "Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies" ------------------------------------------------------------- The BurmaNet News:19 April 1995 Issue #151 ------------------------------------------------------------- NOTED IN PASSING: Contents: --------------------SHAN STATE------------------------------- THE NATION: RANGOON FORCES BID TO BLOCK MTA ROUTE INTO CHIANG RAI -----------------------REGIONAL----------------------------- THE NATION: LUXURY SHIP CRUISES BURMA'S IRRAWADDY BKK POST: CALL FOR TEMPORARY BORDER OPENING ---------------------------THAILAND--------------------------- THE NATION: DEMOCRAT BASH ------------------------- Inside Burma ----------------------- NLM: KHUN SA CONNIVING WITH FOREIGN AND ANTI-GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS AND KNU FOR HIS EXISTENCE -------------------------------------------------------------- o-------------------------------o The BurmaNet News is an | | electronic newspaper | Iti | covering Burma. 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Burma Issues is a Bangkok-based non-governmental organization that documents human rights conditions in Burma and maintains an archive of Burma-related documents. Views expressed in The BurmaNet News do not necessarily reflect those of either NCGUB or Burma Issues. -------------------------------------------------------------- (at titan.oit.umass.edu) (From News system) Are there any MON people out there? I am very interested in knowing my fellow Mon-Khmer people. -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------- RANGOON FORCES BID TO BLOCK MTA ROUTE INTO CHIANG RAI Burma claims key border points mined 19 April 1995 Burmese soldiers in Tachilek province have erected cement and barbed wire barriers on the approaches to many cross-border points linking the province with Chiang Rai, reportedly to prevent drug warlord Khun Sa's subordinates from sneaking into the area if attacks take place. Burmese authorities in the province also distributed leaflets which indicated that landmines had been planted along the Moei River and various gateways to Thailand to thwart attacks on the border town of Tachilek by Khun Sa's forces. The "permanent" mines are replacements for "temporary" devices those planted each evening and defused the following morning that were claiming the lives of Burmese soldiers in charge of defusing. A source said yesterday the Burmese have taken the preventive measures in case Khun Sa's Mong Tai Army (MTA) launches a second attack on the border town. The MTA last month raided Tachilek as the Burmese government was moving its troops to the MTA's stronghold in Shan State. Burmese government forces earlier this year overran the two largest ethnic Karen strongholds and hope to eliminate the remaining resistance and major drug producers. "Cement walls are built at various points, including the areas leading to Thailand's Huay Nam Rin village in Mae Sai precinct. At some border areas the Burmese erected barbed wire barriers to prevent people from travelling in and out," the source said. He added that it is possible the soldiers will build a barrier on the middle of the bridge linking Tachilek with Mae Sai district. Tachilek authorities have closed the Tachilek-Mae Sai checkpoint, reportedly in retaliation for protest notes Thailand submitted over various crimes and incursions by the Burmese side. However, it is also believed that the closure is part of Burma's self-defence measures to prevent the possible entry and exit of antigovernment groups. "The Burmese warned in the leaflets that anyone violating the order not to enter the Thai side could face injury or death from landmines or could be shot by Burmese soldiers. The soldiers will not be held responsible because they have already issued the warnings," the source said. Mae Sai district chief Pakdee Rattanapol said it is Burma's right to construct barriers on its territory. "The construction of the gates shows that the Burmese side has no confidence in its security. It is believed the gates will prevent Khun Sa's troops from attacking and then trying to escape into Thailand," Pakdee said. Burma should prevent its people from illegally sneaking into Thailand and creating a disturbance here, the chief said, adding that the closure of the checkpoint hurts Burma, because its people are in need of Thai consumer goods. (TN) LUXURY SHIP CRUISES BURMA'S IRRAWADDY 19 April 1995 >From November this year, visitors to Burma will be able to explore at their leisure the culture and history of this land abroad a luxury river cruiser on the Irrawaddy River. Road To Mandalay, a former German cruise ship which used to ply the Rhine and Elbe Rivers, will provide five and six day cruises between the ancient city of Mandalay and Pagan, the site of more than 2,000 pagodas and temple remains. The tour also includes visits to Mingun and Sagaing settlements which date back five centuries as well as the nation's capital, Rangoon. Eastern & Oriental Express the company which operates the luxury train service between Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Bangkok is running the service. The following fares are based on double shared accommodation and include meals, sight-seeing excursions and transfers, domestic flights within Burma and two nights accommodation in Rangoon. The five-night southbound cruise starting and ending in Rangoon costs US$1,850 (Bt45,900) (superior cabin) and US$ 2,870 (Bt72,300) for a state cabin. Tourists can begin and end the cruise package in Bangkok with a fare of US$1,980 (Bt49,200) (superior cabin) and US$3,000 (Bt74,500) (state cabin), including a round trip chartered or scheduled air fare between Bangkok and Burma. The northbound six-night "Road To Mandalay" package, from Rangoon, costs US$2,200 (Bt54,600) (superior cabin) and US$3,270 (Bt81,200) (state cabin). From Bangkok, the six-night package costs US$2,330 (Bt57,900) (superior cabin) and US$3,400 (Bt84,400) (state cabin). The four passenger decks onboard the Road To Mandalay include the observation deck with swimming pool, areas for sunbathing, a bar and portable buffet. (TN) CALL FOR TEMPORARY BORDER OPENING 19 April 1995 Village in Ban Pianglaung of Wieng Haeng District yesterday called for the reopening of the temporary border pass at their village which has been ordered close since the middle of last year due to fighting between Burmese government forces and rebel minority groups. Chiang Mai Deputy Governor Phayoon Meethongkam said he had received a petition from Ban Pianglaung villagers, saying the situation in the area in Burma opposite the border pass had returned to normal and they would like it reopened. The Third Army Regional last year order the closure of Ban Piangluang temporary border pass for fear that Thais living there would be affected by the fighting in Burma. Mr Phayoon said he had inspected the area and found that the situation there was nothing to worry about. However, he said the decision to reopen the border pass would rest with the Third Army Region. Meanwhile, Wieng Haeng District Chief Narongrith Korn-athit said the situation in the area had returned to normal and due to the closure of the border pass, the price of consumer goods on the Burmese said had doubled. (BP) DEMOCRAT BASH 19 April 1995 This week marked the 49th niversary of the Democrat Party Thailand. A big show was put on at the Queen Sirikit Convention centre in which various not-so influential figures from some foreign countries were invited to speak. It appears that the Democrats wanted to present themselves as a would-class institution. Who were they kidding? On the surface, the show appeared to be a big success. God knows how much the Democrat spent putting this whole thing together the gala dinner the night before the convention, the rent and equipment fees, the (Muslim) meal enough to feed some 5,000 and let's not forget those flaky entertainers who looked so tacky in their flimsy outfits. Nevertheless, the turnout was quite impressive in spite of the fact that the Democrat didn't throw a world championship boxing match a popular vote-getting scheme among the leading Thai politicians. The crowd was huge but the hype didn't seem to be there at least not among the spectators anyway. No one seem to have made a big deal about who the foreign speakers were; just the fact that they were foreigners and that the had held a high-ranking position was perhaps good enough for the show. Maybe a boxing match would have been a better choice, at least from my perspective, anyway. These so-called honorary guests, as well as the democrat fancy-mouthpiece, spent much of their time exchange compliments. With exception of one or two speakers, the content of the speeches didn't have much substance in them. Instead of a speech, former Japanese prime minister Toshiki kaifu spent much of his time complimenting his counterparts. So sweet were his words, I though he was on the Democrat's payroll. But since the election is just around the corner, all the kind words night prove to be fruitful. It has been said that the vest majority of the 5,000 who attended, many of whom toted their belongings as if they were waiting for a ride at the Mor Chit or Ekkamai bus terminals, came from the South. Judging from the dialect, my guess was right. Needless to say, the south is where Democrats are putting their bottom dollar on for the next election. I wonder if they (the spectators) really wanted to be there. I wondered if the Democrats paid for their bus/air fair. The fact that the Democrats had Suthep Thaugsuban, the former deputy agriculture minister who had resigned right before being grilled by the opposition, hosting and presiding over the big event may seem ironic to some. {Perhaps this was a chance for him to redeem himself. After all, there were many journalists present. One of the foreign speakers, Sir David Steel, leader of the 48-year-old and yet still unknown Liberal Democrat Party, made perhaps the most interesting announcement that the 1995 Liberal International Prize for Freedom will go the 1991 Nobel Prize winner Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Although the two awards are not exactly in the same league, Steel's announcement in itself, although not quite a slap-in-the-face to the Thai constructive engagement policy, suggests that there is a great deal of difference in the yaw one defines liberal democracy a concept that was mentioned often enough in his speech. It is also the concept that supposedly unties the Thai Democrats to the international communities, which advocated decentralization, market economy and free and fair elections. Steel said in a local paper that his request for a visa was denied by the ruling Slorc (State Law and Order Restoration Council). Better yet, let's see what the Thai will say when he comes around again in July to present Suu Kyi the award. This will be quite interesting. I can hardly wait. Just think, if the Thai government denied him the opportunity to stage the awarding ceremony in July, how will it look on the democrats who not only control the largest segment of the government? Fact is, the Democrats had invited Steel to speak at their 49th anniversary. Sleep on it, Democrats. Perhaps the most though provoking point was the one made by Steel. According to him, some people have claimed that liberal democracy is a Western ideology that cannot be applied to Asian countries, particularly authoritarian regimes. Looking at the authoritarian regimes in this region, at least on the surface, such claim is obsolete. Bur upon closer scrutiny, one can certainly small something fishy, instability does exit in this region, although no political leaders want to admit it. I guess Steel is right after all. (TN) KHUN SA CONNIVING WITH FOREIGN AND ANTI-GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS AND KNU FOR HIS EXISTENCE NLM: 02 April 1995 Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt addresses at Special Refresher Course No 15 for Basic Education Teachers which concluded in Hlegu Township on the morning of 01 April, 1995. The Secretary-1 expressed his belief that teachers, after completion of the course, on which the State has been giving special consideration, become more patriotic and firmly uphold Our Three Main National Causes, in accord with the course's aims. He also believed that they now have already possessed the conviction to discharge duties with allout strength for the development of the entire nation and its people, based on knowledge and experience gained at the course. It is a basic and a special requirement for teachers to nurture their pupils to become patriotic intellectuals for the benefit of the future State, he pointed out. The country's international relations have been enhanced as a result of its political, economic and social reforms, he said, noting internal and external elements are trying to gain influence in political, economic and social sectors, with evil intentions against the Government, employing many means at this time. The forces of patriots should guard the nation against such sinister acts, he said. Some Myanmar businessmen who are jointly doing business with foreigners are directly introducing copied-Western culture into Myanmar society, causing spread of adverse behaviour that may harm the nation's dignity and culture, he said. Certain businessmen are forcing young women to sacrifice their moral character for the success of their business, a worsening situation which is spreading, he said, indicating a significant and ugly example in which owners of some restaurants with karaoke night clubs are misusing and exploiting young women who work there. At the time that some are doing business using means contradicting traditional culture, film and theatrical artistes and vocalists are also directly imitating wanton dress, style and habits of rowdy and unruly youths of the West which aggravate the situation, calling for the use of authoritative power to preserve Myanma culture, he noted. He recalled that Ministers for Culture, Religious Affairs and Information has already met members of Thabin, Music and Motion Picture Asiayons and music troupes, owners of restaurant with karaoke nightclubs and explained in detail norms to preserve culture. Arrangements, he revealed, have been made to take action against those artistes and restaurant owners who do not abide by the rules, those who continue their decadent behaviour at receptions and those who secretly open Western dance courses. After authorities had explained the norms, dress and style in films and on theatres become more traditional, he noted, adding Myanmar's prestige will be high among other nations if all preserve culture and customs. Myanmars are the top among Asians in preserving their traditional culture which is based on Buddha's Teachings, he said, pointing out that an ideal culture of the orient will be lost if we do not preserve it. The Secretary-1 then elaborated on the present Government's endeavours towards emergence of a durable-State constitution and national reconciliation, saying 14 armed groups had already returned to the legal fold at present. Prevalence of peace and stability in border regions opens up opportunities for development and eradicating drug trafficking and poppy cultivation there, he said. He then emphasized Myanmar's anti-drug campaign which is a national concern and which has been jointly carried out with her neighbours, saying many nationals have been abandoning poppy cultivation under the Government's organization, leaving Khun Sa's Loimaw drug trafficking terrorist group the only main group, engaged in drug business. Khun Sa, who became financially strong from profits of drug trafficking, strengthened his terrorist group which he named "Mong Tai Army". Due to the Tatmadaw's military operations, which cut off all drug trafficking routes and connection among terrorist bandits, Khun Sa's terrorist group cannot stand firmly any longer, he said. Khun Sa's drug bandit group at present is turning their terrorist acts on small villages along border areas and producing agents to demand extortion money in towns, he said. Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt revealed that Khun Sa is trying to hide his drug trafficking under his faked political activities to gain international assistance, declaring himself as leader of the Shans who is trying to liberate Shan State, although he has Chinese blood. Continuing, the Secretary-1 said Khun Sa had formed Shan People's Representative Committee (SPRC) in June 1992 and after calling a meeting in Homaing camp headquarters in December 1993, he formed Shan State National Congress (SSNC) with 35 members, self-proclaiming Shan State as a liberated country and self-appointed himself as president. Khun Sa also formed sham organizations, such as, Shan Human Rights Foundation (SHRF) led by Hkun Kya Oo, Shan State Organization (SSO) led by former member of a Shan terrorist group Hkun Kya Nu, who is residing in Chiangmai, Thailand, and Shan State Association (USA) led by Sai Hkun Hpa of Washington, to penetrate international circles to conduct anti-Government activities in other countries, revealed the Secretary-1. Secretary-1 said Khun Sa's Shan State Organization (SSO) had attended Conference on Constitution of the Union of Burma held in Manerplaw of terrorist Bo Mya in October 1994 under the sponsorship of National Council of the Union of Burma, an illegal organization, formed with anti-Government groups. SSA (USA), a drug trafficking centre of Khun Sa, led by Sai Hkun Hpa held Shan State Conference in New York, in January 1995, he said. Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt disclosed that nine bogus groups, which only exist in name, had attended it---Journalists and Writers of Shan State; Lahu Development Organization; Overseas Shan-Europe; Shan Herald Agency for News; Shan Human Rights Foundation; Shan Overseas Association(USA); Shan State Organization and Women's Association of Shan State. Leaders of Khun Sa's bogus organizations are former Shan terrorists who had fled to other countries. Khun Sa had called them to Homaing camp to attend his political courses. After completion of their courses, they were again sent back to other countries for drug trafficking under the cover of sham political organizations. He is trying to associate with foreign organizations which do not wish to see Myanmar prosper, terrorist groups and anti-Government groups, said the Secretary-1. Secretary-1 revealed among those who are associating with Khun Sa is Peter Bourne, who had served as adviser for narcotic affairs under Former US President Jimmy Carter, who arrived Homaing camp in February 1994 and met Khun Sa and leader of SSA (USA) there. The Secretary-1 said Peter Bourne also attended a ceremony in Homaing camp in April 1994, held by Khun Sa's drug terrorists to mark beginning of their march to attack Mongkyut region, adding this proves Khun Sa's ability to penetrate even influential persons in US. He said Khun Sa has been conniving with KNU terrorist leader Bo Mya,adding they have been secretly trafficking heroin since 1991. Concerning connections between the two terrorist groups, the Secretary-1 said Bo Mya, political-in-charge Dr Mata and intelligence chief Soe Soe (a) Nay Soe met Khun Sa and Moe Hein (a) Kun Sein in Homaing camp in December 1987 where they signed an agreement to cooperate in military and economy between MTA and KNU. He said under orders of Bo Mya KNU secretary Phado San Lin intelligence chief Soe Soe met Khun Sa in Homaing in January 1988 and asked him to open another battle front against the Government and to provide money to KNU to buys arms and ammunition. He said again in October 1991, a KNU party led by Bo Mya met Khun Sa at the camp, asking for military and economic assistance. During 1992, Khun Sa presented one million bahts to KNU, he said. Law Wadi of KNU with the rank of Lt-Col, Isaac with the rank of Lt-Col, mines in-charge Phado Saw Htoo and Jack met Khun Sa at the camp in April 1994, at which they discussed cooperation, building of ammunition factory, providing assistance and economic cooperation. The Vice-Chairman, Deputy Military in-charge Kansit and foreign relations and economic in-charge Khun Sai of Khun Sa group were sent to Bo Mya in April 1994 for cooperation and understanding. In the drug trafficking group-KNU relations, Bo Mya repeatedly asked for money from Khun Sa and got assistance for drug trafficking. This made profitable for him and backed Khun Sa's political activities for show. Shan State Organization (SSO) was allowed to attend NCBU meeting organized by KNU, like Sein Win's unofficial government, NLD(Liberated Area) ABSDF terrorist group and other organizations that opposed the State. Bo Mya lived in luxury in the other country with the assistance of some foreign organizations and income from trafficking and smuggling. After the 1988 disturbances, he also received aid from NGOs in the West for new terrorists described as refugees who sought asylum under the KNU. Since most of the armed groups returned to the legal fold after realizing the government's genuine cetena there is peace and tranquility in various parts of the country. Only the Khun Sa drug trafficking group, its ally, the KNU, and small groups under it are left. Khun Sa and remnants of KNU group crushed by the Tatmadaw are causing instability in the region by using hit and run tactics in towns and villages. Recently, Khun Sa's drug trafficking group attacked Tachilek, killing people and burning houses. The group fled to the other country due to the counter-offensive by the security units. It is reported that authorities in the other country only disarmed them and set them free. Myanmar has repeatedly asked them to hand the terrorists over but authorities in the other country did not honour the requests. The two neighbouring countries with goodwill relations should cooperate with mutual respect and understanding in this case and should avoid such an act. Myanmar always respects the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and does not practise any relations which run counter to them. It is difficult to read the position of neighbouring country toward Myanmar over the Tachilek incident. Political groups of Khun Sa and Bo Mya are making pious noises on human rights and nationalities affairs to the world, demanding expulsion of Myanmar from the UN, economic sanctions, to blackmail politically and to recognize their groups and to provide assistance. Now, the cold war has ended and it is clearly seen that neocolonialists interfere in the internal affairs of a country shouting human rights and nationalities affairs causing political and economic instability. Accusations are being made to disparse Myanmar's prestige in the world, with the collusion of news agencies and journalists. Political groups of Khun Sa and Bo Mya armed groups, pretending to represent national races and assuming that accusations of some group that opposed the State to be actual events, ask for international pressure for the release of persons arrested, to level object human rights violations and ge economic sanctions. These are one-sided interference ignoring the interest of the entire people. Secretary-1 quoted Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Senior General Than Shwe as saying on human rights at the opening of Management Course No 5 for Executive Committee members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association that basic rights and democracy must be in harmony with the nature of the country and the people, economy, society, culture and religions and cannot be copied from others by any means. There were instances that even the developed nations fell into trouble as they made carbon copies of other people's ideas, let alone a developing country like ours. Thus we are giving priority to create firm infrastructure of basic rights such as food, clothing and shelter needs. As long as the infrastructure firm, super structure of human rights can be built stage by stage. In accordance with Senior General's guidance, the government is fulfilling the food, clothing and shelter needs of every citizen, possession of high standard of living and security. No one can deny that there is peace and political stability in spite of their accusations. Those who pay a visit to Myanmar can enjoy a pleasant life of Myanmar people. The State Law and Order Restoration Council presented Liberation Medals to American war veterans of CBI and OSS 101 who fought with allied troops in the struggle for Myanmar's independence. They heard some fabricated news about Myanmar. When they arrived in Myanmar they witnessed that the situation is totally different from what they heard. The government gives the people opportunity to enjoy democracy and human rights on its own decision. Those serving prison terms for violating the existing law were released by reducing their jail terms. Such release is made on its own decision and not because of the pressure of anyone. There has been no human rights violation in Myanmar. He spoke of the need to ignore the accusations and threats of dogmatic persons with green eyes who delay efforts for peace and tranquility. The State Law and Order Restoration Council is striving for peace and political stability, national reconciliation and the nation is to become a new nation with the new Constitution. He urged the teachers to organize the students for the success of the objectives and to take part in national movements. (NLM) -------------------------------------------------------------- NEWS SOURCES REGULARLY COVERED/ABBREVIATIONS USED BY BURMANET: ABSDF: ALL BURMA STUDENT'S DEMOCRATIC FRONT AMNESTY: AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL AP: ASSOCIATED PRESS AFP: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE AW: ASIAWEEK Bt.: THAI BAHT; 25 Bt. 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BURMESE KYAT; UP TO 150 KYAT-US$1 BLACK MARKET 106 KYAT US$1-SEMI-OFFICIAL 6 KYAT-US$1 OFFICIAL MOA: MIRROR OF ARAKAN MNA: MYANMAR NEWS AGENCY (SLORC) THE NATION: A DAILY NEWSPAPER IN BANGKOK NCGUB: NATIONAL COALITION GOVERNMENT OF THE UNION OF BURMA NLM: NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (DAILY STATE-RUN NEWSPAPER,RANGOON) NMSP: NEW MON STATE PARTY RTA:REC.TRAVEL.ASIA NEWSGROUP RTG: ROYAL THAI GOVERNMENT SCB:SOC.CULTURE.BURMA NEWSGROUP SCT:SOC.CULTURE.THAI NEWSGROUP SEASIA-L: S.E.ASIA BITNET MAILING LIST SLORC: STATE LAW AND ORDER RESTORATION COUNCIL TAWSJ: THE ASIAN WALL STREET JOURNAL UPI: UNITED PRESS INTERNATIONAL USG: UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT XNA: XINHUA NEWS AGENCY --------------------------------------------------------------