------------------------ BurmaNet ------------------------ "Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies" ---------------------------------------------------------- The BurmaNet News: March 25, 1997 Issue #675 HEADLINES: ========== NEW YORK TIMES: BILL CLINTON'S MOMENT ON MYANMAR DEMOCRATIC BURMESE PROGRAM: BURMA SITUATION THE NATION: SECURITY FORCES PREVENT MOSQUE ATTACK THE NATION: MUSLIMS SEEN AS EASIEST TARGET IN BURMA AP: ARMY REOPENS RANGOON SECTION ABSDF: STATEMENT ON THE CURRENT PROBLEM NCUB: STATEMENT ON BUDDHIST MONKS-MUSLIM UNREST NCUB: CONCERNS FOR REPATRIATION OF KAREN REFUGEES THE NATION: MALARIA, DIARRHOEA, FLU PLAGUE KAREN SCMP: INTELLIGENCE CHIEF EYES POWER ABSDF: TWO MUSICIANS SENTENCED TO JAIL IN RANGOON BKK POST: BUSINESS AS USUAL FOR DRUG BARONS BKK POST: AMPHETAMINE OUTPUT THRIVING ALONG BORDER ALTSEAN: BURMA REFUGEE CRISIS ALTSEAN-BURMA: NEW CONTACT DETAILS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- NEW YORK TIMES:EDITORIAL-BILL CLINTON'S MOMENT ON MYANMAR March 24, 1997 The decision whether to apply sanctions to Burma for its human rights abuses now rests with President Clinton. Last July, Congress passed a law calling for a ban on new American investment in that country if it's repressive government harmed or rearrested the democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi or cracked down on the democracy movement. The president's top foreign-policy advisers are divided. For the sake not only of democracy in Burma, but also of American credibility when dealing with other dictatorial regimes, Clinton should invoke the law. The case for sanctions on Burma is more convincing than perhaps anywhere else in the world. If Clinton chooses not to apply them, there is little reason any other abusive country should take Washington's tough talk seriously. By all credible accounts, including the State Department's annual human rights report, Burma's government has met if not exceeded the conditions in the sanctions legislation. In 1996, the worst year of repression in this decade, it detained hundreds of students and activists and held Mrs. Suu Kyi under virtual house arrest in December. Mrs. Suu Kyi, who would be Burma's elected leader had the government not annulled 1990 elections, has appealed to Washington to apply the sanctions. The sanctions would also cost American business little. The United States currently has only about $220 million invested in the country, almost all of it in oil and gas projects. Many American companies have already pulled out in response to public pressure and new laws in Massachusetts and several cities prohibiting government contracts with companies that do business in Burma. Because investment is relatively small, sanction opponents have argued that the action would have little impact, and that other businesses, mostly from Asia, could fill the gap. Sanctions would indeed be more effective if they were joined by European and other nations that have criticized Burma's government. So far, Washington has not persuaded them, although administration officials have made only a halfhearted attempt. But American allies may be more likely to join if Washington takes a bold first step. Even though American investment is small, the United States is still Burma's biggest investor. Moreover, the country's economic desperation -- its hard currency reserves would last only a few weeks -- would magnify the impact of sanctions. Opponents also argue that once sanctions are applied, Washington's influence would dissolve. That is a rationale for paralysis. Washington's leverage in a case like this is useless if it is perpetually held in reserve. With Burma there are few of the complicating considerations that come with a country like China. If Clinton ever intends to stand firmly behind the principle of human rights, this is the time and the place. *************************************** DEMOCRATIC BURMESE PROGRAM: BURMA SITUATION UPDATE March 23, 1997 From: "ausgeo@msn.com " * The SLORC still denied claims by a Thailand-based , the All-Burma Young Monks Union, that 16 monks had died in custody and that the deaths had triggered the riots. * Two monks were wounded by ricochets in Tuesday's unrest, residents said. Diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the Associated Press in Bangkok that at least one monk had died of gunshot wounds. * The Maha Myat Muni Pagoda [Mandalay], which holds a revered Buddha, was swarming with pilgrims and monks found SLORC members stole the Gold from Buddha image. Actual problem started from that stage. * A group of about 50 [ SLORC' agents Buddhist monks] desecrated a Muslim mosque in the northeastern quarter of the Burmese capital Saturday, eyewitnesses told reporters. * SLORC' monks arrived in cars at the mosque in Kanbe[Rangoon], where they struck the mosque with sticks and stones, riots police let them do it for several minutes one eyewitness said. Source sent by secret communication from Rangoon. Democratic Burmese Program [ http://users.imagiware.com/wtongue/ ] *************************************** THE NATION: SECURITY FORCES PREVENT MOSQUE ATTACK BY MONKS March 24, 1997 AFP Rangoon - Security forces prevented a group about 100 monks from attacking another mosque in Rangoon yesterday amid tight security around mosques and monasteries and spreading communal unrest, witnesses said. There were no clashes, as the monks put on what observers called "a show of defiance", but dispersed when the authorities halted their march from the Kodatgyi Monastery on a mosque in the city's western Myenigone township. Soldiers barricaded the area around the monastery, and a young Muslim from the Myenigone mosque said that the situation was under control. Elders from the mosque informed the authorities that "we would not provoke any trouble, but we would defend our property if necessary", he said. Some 200 monks vandalised three mosques in Rangoon's Ahlone and Kemmendine townships late on Saturday, following incidents earlier in the day involving a group of more than 50 monks. The house of a Muslim man already serving time in prison for slapping a young monk was destroyed, and then a mosque nearby in Yankin township was ransacked, as loose property was pulled outside and set on fire. Monks gathered around a monastery in Yankin again yesterday, but security forces arrived and no incidents were provoked, witnesses said. A military intelligence source confirmed the attack in Yankin, blaming it on opponents of the regime who wished to cause problems ahead of Burma's expected entry" into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in July. Burma is expected to become a member of Asean - which groups the predominantly Muslim Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia with the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam - but the July entry date has not been confirmed. The unrest in Burma was sparked in the northern city of Mandalay last weekend by a group of monks protesting the release of Muslims involved in the attempted rape of a young Buddhist girl, analysts said. Failing to gain satisfaction from the authorities, the monks proceeded to vandalise nearby Muslim property and mosques, they said. Meanwhile, monks in Sagaing town, adjacent to Mandalay, have also gone on the rampage. Authorities closed the bridge from Sagaing to prevent monks from joining their counterparts in Mandalay, so they were beginning to stage incidents on their own, the reports said, without providing details. Monks in Mandalay, an important religious centre, had ransacked, mosques and destroyed Muslim property, and at least one novice monk had died of gunshot wounds in the incidents, according to diplomats and other sources. Tension was high in Mandalay in the run-up to the incident, as the monks had learned recently that 16 of their number had died in prison after being detained by the authorities on various charges, they said. Attempts to demonstrate against the deaths had been thwarted by the military authorities, and the release of the Muslim suspects provided a target for the frustration building among the younger monks, analysts said. Gen Tin Oo, the junta's second secretary, was quoted in the official press yesterday as blaming foreign-backed subversives who were attempting to "drive a wedge between the national brethren". But statements from opposition groups received in Bangkok said that the authorities had instigated the unrest to distract people from economic troubles and oppression. The military, which has ruled Burma since 1962, "has always instigated conflict between Buddhists and Muslims [or the Chinese] in times of discontent and economic hardship when people are taking to the streets", one analyst said. Calm prevailed in most of Rangoon yesterday, and reportedly in other towns affected by the unrest as well. Analysts said that the authorities want to ensure that the population will not join the monks in political protests. Monks are widely respected in Burma and played a central role in nationwide pro-democracy demonstrations in 1988, which sparked a bloody crackdown and the replacement of the previous military government by the current junta. Muslims represent only 3.9 per cent of Burma's people, while Buddhists account for 85 per cent of the population. (TN) ******************************************************* THE NATION: MUSLIMS SEEN AS EASIEST TARGET IN VOLATILE BURMA (abridged) March 24, 1997 The latest communal trouble is due to ethnic and economic frustrations, Agence France Presse reports. The eruption of violence between Buddhists and Muslims in Burma is the result of long simmering frustration against the ruling junta combined with historical animosities, analysts said yesterday. Burmese authorities have blamed the incidents on individuals trying to sow instability in Burma, while other observers say the monks singled out Muslims for attack since they were unable to express their rage against the junta. "It is my firm belief that their next target will be the Hindus if problems between Buddhists and [Muslims] ... do not [meet] their expectations," said one military intelligence official. Muslims and Buddhists in Burma have a long standing animosity stemming from preferential treatment given to Indian Muslims by the British authorities in the former colonial administration. Other observers say that ethnic tensions have also been on the rise in Mandalay between the Burman majority and ethnic Chinese, many of whom have been prospering economically thanks to a booming trade with China. "The Burmans feel they are being shafted economically by the Chinese in Mandalay," said one diplomat. However, the diplomat added, the Chinese were seen as being too powerful and having close ties to the military authorities, and as a result, monks reflexively went on the rampage against the less affluent Muslims. (TN) ******************************************************* AP: ARMY REOPENS RANGOON SECTION (abridged) March 24, 1997 BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) -- Burma's military reopened a Muslim section of downtown Rangoon today after friction eased between Muslims and Buddhist monks. Today, fewer troops were visible around the mosques, crumbling British colonial buildings and dingy shop houses of downtown Rangoon, witnesses said. However, 30 soldiers still guarded a mosque in the suburb of Yankin that had been ransacked by 80 Buddhist monks on Saturday. A large military presence is already in and around the city in preparation for Armed Forces Day, a national holiday, on Thursday. Mogul Street, a main thoroughfare in the Muslim section of Rangoon and a black market money changing center, was reopened to traffic this morning after troops had cordoned it off Sunday, a witness said. Soldiers politely asked about 50 monks approaching a mosque in the Myenigone district of Rangoon to return to their monastery Sunday, which witnesses said they did peacefully. Monks also attempted to ransack a mosque in the Ahlone section of Rangoon, not far from the homes of many high-ranking military officers. The army once again intervened. Rumors had spread around the city that dozens of monks had been arrested, but no one could confirm those reports. The authorities have sharply curtailed political activities, and despite some economic gains, inflation remains high at more than 30 percent annually. **************************************** ABSDF: STATEMENT ON THE CURRENT PROBLEM INVOLVING BUDDHISTS MONKS March 24, 1997 From: "All Burma Students' Democratic Front" 1. On March 15 two Muslim men attempted to rape a young Burmese woman in Mandalay. The incident lead to religious conflict between Buddhists monks and Muslims in Mandalay, and the conflict has now spread to other cities across the country. 2. We believe that the current unrest is partly a result of frustrations experienced by Burmese Buddhist monks who have fought for the restoration of justice after a severe crackdown on the monks following the 1988 uprising. We, however, suspect that the SLORC, as always, is fomenting conflict between the Buddhist monks and the Muslims in order to divert attention from the country's economic and political problems. Successive military regimes in Burma have created communal, racial or religious conflicts to divert the focus of attention from political and economic problems whenever such problems are imminent. 3. While people from all walks of life are struggling for their rights, SLORC is facing a social, political and economic crisis. This crisis has the potential to lead to an explosive situation in Burma. 4. "All the shortcomings in Burma are the end result of prevailing injustice, a void of the rule of law and lack of fundamental rights. It is upsetting to note that the followers of different religions - Buddhists, Muslims, Christians - are all being oppressed and are all being denied freedom of religion. Similarly, it is important for the people of Burma to remember that the military government is our common target and all the existing problems in Burma are the result of 34 years of military rule. 5. We request that the members of all the different religions be vigilant of the SLORC's tactics and that they refrain from participating in any communal conflict. We also request that the leaders of all religious orders find a peaceful solution to the problems without harboring any animosity. We urge the people of Burma to bear in mind the importance of restoring democracy and human rights in our country and steadfastly work towards this ultimate goal. Central Committee All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF) Date: March 24, 1997 ************************ NCUB: STATEMENT ON CURRENT BUDDHIST MONKS-MUSLIM UNREST March 24, 1997 From: NCUB The National Council of the Union of Burma (NCUB), has been following closely recent events that have occurred in Burma. We regret that the alleged rape of a Burmese girl by two Muslim men occurred and demand a proper response from the authorities within a legal framework. The NCUB fears that the current political crisis within the country involving the SLORC and religious communities is being used to divert the increasing public anger towards the military regime away from the real issues. "Religion is severely oppressed by the SLORC which has so far denied real freedom of religious practice", said Moe Thee Zun, Joint General Secretary of the NCUB. According to sources inside the country there are many rumours that there is a power struggle between Lt. Gen. Khin Nyunt, chief of Military Intelligence and General Maung Aye who is currently the Deputy-Supreme Commander in Chief of the Burma Armed Forces. " The intelligence faction led by Lt. Gen. Khin Nyunt has up till now taken a major role in policy since the reported end of General Ne Win's power and we believe there is a struggle between this groups and those loyal to army commanders," said the NCUB spokesman. "This could be a plan from a faction within the SLORC army to instigate further unrest so that the army will be called in to stop the situation from deteriorating further. But the Intelligence community is also making it clear that without them the army does not have enough information to respond" said a student leader in Rangoon. "In order to control the possibility of a mass movement against them, the SLORC is diverting the peoples attention away from the real issues and creating division within our communities" he said. The NCUB strongly urges the people of Burma including all religious communities not to fall into this trap. This situation has occurred in the past and we urge everyone to keep their eyes on the struggle for the restoration of democracy and human rights in Burma. Information Committee National Council of the Union of Burma (NCUB) ********************************** NCUB: CONCERNS FOR REPATRIATION OF KAREN REFUGEES IN KANCHANABURI AREA March 24, 1997 From: NCUB The National Council of the Union of Burma (NCUB), is extremely concerned over reports that the Commander of the Thai Ninth Army recently lectured refugees currently fleeing from the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) military offensive in the Karen State. According to sources on the border, the Commander explained to the Karen refugees that he had been assured by the SLORC that there would be no harm if the refugees go back. "If you don't want to go back, where will you stay?" He was reportedly quoted as saying in a lecture that lasted for three hours on March 22nd. "Karen refugees have been fleeing into Thailand in order to escape not only from the recent fighting but also from large scale human rights abuses including political oppression, forced labour, porterage, torture, arbitrary arrests, rape, looting, disappearance and extra-judicial killing committed by the SLORC," said Moe Thee Zun, Joint General Secretary of the NCUB. The NCUB earnestly appeals to the Royal Thai Government not to repatriate the Karen refugees as the situation in our country is very dangerous for unarmed innocent civilians. We also request the Royal Thai Government to ensure the security of innocent civilians as they have done in the past, especially those who have managed to escape from this current offensive. Information Committee National Council of the Union of Burma (NCUB) *********************************** THE NATION: MALARIA, DIARRHOEA, FLU PLAGUE KAREN REFUGEES March 24, 1997 Reuter The Thai Public Health Ministry said yesterday that more than 1,700 Karen refugees fleeing fighting in Burma were suffering from diarrhoea, flu and malaria at their rugged settlement areas inside Thailand. Two had died recently of diarrhoea, the ministry said. It said in a statement that the Thai medical team sent to care for more than 3,000 refugees living in camps in Kanchanaburi and Ratchaburi provinces found that 1,791 ethnic Karens were seriously ill. "Among the sick, 1003 were afflicted with diarrhoea and two of them died recently," it said, adding that 575 were suffering from flu and 134 were infected with malaria. Nearly 100,000 Karen refugees had fled to Thailand from fighting between the Karen National Union (KNU) and Burmese government troops. Their sprawling settlement camps are run by international relief agencies and the Karen Refugees Committee, a KNU affiliate. The UNHCR, which has provided humanitarian assistance for the refugees, said its officials would travel to the Thai-Burmese border next week to inspect the camps. (TN) ******************************************************* SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST: INTELLIGENCE CHIEF EYES POWER March 24, 1997 William Barnes In Bangkok Crackdown: General Khin Nyunt As Burma's army chiefs prepare to replace fading junta leader General Than Shwe - possibly by as soon as Thursday - the country's intelligence hard man is emerging as a foil to his less flexible colleagues. Lieutenant-General Khin Nyunt was once branded the "Prince of Evil" by his many critics. He is now described in terms approaching that of a closet liberal struggling for power over the hardliners. Burma watchers argue the ascendancy of the hardliners will be cemented by the replacement of General Than Shwe with the chief of the Army, General Maung Aye. The move could happen soon since Thursday's Army Day is the traditional time for a military reshuffle. When the old dictator, Ne Win, marched on Rangoon's Saya San Hall to announce his surprise "retirement" in 1988, a stony-faced then Colonel Khin Nyunt was seen moving in his shadow. By that stage he had already been the hand-picked leader of the widely feared military intelligence service for nearly five years and appeared to be Ne Win's heir apparent. In 1989 he led the propaganda campaign that sought to justify the crackdown against the National League for Democracy, and the arrest of the party's leadership - including Aung San Suu Kyi - by claiming it was secretly controlled by communists. One speech was distributed in book form as The Conspiracy of Treasonous Minions with Myanmar and Traitorous Cohorts Abroad. Diplomats said he sought the same year to justify the massacre of hundreds of civilian protesters - many of them students and children - as necessary to curb "looters and unsavoury elements" who had "taken advantage of the army's kindness". Yet, in recent months, members of the Burmese opposition and diplomats have said that General Khin Nyunt is a relative liberal compared to General Maung Aye, the man who appears to be winning the current struggle for supremacy. Even the general's bitter enemies admit he is clever, worldly by the standards of the Burmese military and a strategist who likes to stay a step or two ahead of his rivals. He is said to have wanted to at least broach the subject of talks with Ms Aung San Suu Kyi and to pursue peace talks with ethnic Karen insurgents to end their 50-year rebellion. But to the army chiefs in the State Law and Order Council, as the junta styles itself, these moves smack of weakness. They are said to distrust and dislike General Khin Nyunt for running a shadowy organisation that keeps tabs on them all without ever having commanded fighting troops. Diplomats believe that the rise of General Maung Aye is probably reflected in recent moves to isolate Ms Aung San Suu Kyi, the arrest of dozens of her political activists - including General Khin Nyunt's brother-in-law - and the current attempt to find a military solution to the Karen rebellion. The intelligence chief's star may have fallen because "concessions" like the release of Ms Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest in 1996 did not bring the global acceptance the junta might have expected. The impending admission of Burma into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations may also have convinced hardliners that they can carry on without the blessing of their many critics in the West. One diplomat summed up the situation by saying: "Right now, Maung Aye's rise shows that a liberal opening in Burma is further away than ever." (SCMP) *************************************** ABSDF: TWO MUSICIANS SENTENCED TO JAIL IN RANGOON March 24, 1997 From: All Burma Students' Democratic Front It was reported that two musicians, Ko Min Maw and Ko Zaw Win from "Shwe Than Zin" band were arrested by the Slorc military intelligence and recently sentenced to jail for seven years in Rangoon for creating of two democracy songs. The two musicians recorded these two democracy songs in May studio in Rangoon and sent the songs to Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB) based in Oslo, Norway for broadcasting. These two songs were broadcasted on third March, tenth March and 17th March from DVB's "Songs in the sky section". May studio was also raided and the owner of studio was investigated by the Slorc MI. According to the sources from Rangoon, U Hla Min, the National League for Democracy (NLD) elected representative from Kot Thaung (Victoria Point) constituency, Tennamsrim Division was arrested by the Slorc MI for having connections with the two musicians. ************************************ BKK POST: BUSINESS AS USUAL FOR DRUG BARONS March 23, 1997 Surat Jinakul and Prasong Charasdamrong Despite success in curtailing the heroin trade, drug warlords continue their illicit business by concentrating their efforts on amphetamine production A man in casual dress stepped out of a dark blue sedan in the heart of Rangoon and glanced at people on the crowded sidewalk before rushing into a four-star Chinese restaurant. Following him was a throng of army personnel, some of whom were equipped with machine guns. The restaurant was empty. Someone had apparently been there to "clear the scene" for his convenient visit. The man settled down on the nearest table. "Come on, sit with me. Order some good food," he told his men. "Let's eat, drink and go crazy." As they called for menus, curious foreign tourists peeked inside. "Sorry sir," the guard told the tourists. "All tables are reserved." The would-be customers left without saying a word. But people in the drug trade would immediately recognise that the man at the head of the table is alleged drug warlord Khun Sa. His Thai name is Chan Charngtrakul. He is also known by the Chinese name of Chang Si Fu. A new life in Rangoon: In early 1996, Khun Sa defected to Rangoon, admitting that his years of struggle for an independent Shan State was hopeless. Since then, he has been under "house arrest" in the Burmese capital, living in the same residential area as Gen Than Shwe of the ruling State Law and Order Restoration Council (Slorc). It isn't a secret that while under "house arrest," the former drug baron is free to do as he pleases. Any time he wants to eat out, the Burmese military rulers will order that a restaurant is closed one hour in advance. "Is he really under house arrest?" people ask. High society people in Rangoon believe that the former drug kingpin has become the "Godfather of Rangoon," with more power than ever. Observers say his defection was designed to move his headquarters from the jungle town of Ban Ho Mong to the Burmese capital. His men outside Rangoon and on the mountains are still loyal to him. According to different sources, the Burmese generals not only allow Khun Sa to continue with legal transportation businesses he set up before his surrender, but they also allow him to take part in some underground activities which the Burmese authorities repeatedly turn a blind eye to. These "activities" include gambling dens and brothels in Rangoon, the narcotics trade along the borders with China, Thailand and Laos and the smuggling of girls for prostitution. Still the good old days: Because the heroin trade in the Golden Triangle has been suppressed, Khun Sa and his former Mong Tai Army members switched to producing amphetamines, methamphetamine (a derivative of amphetamines known in Thai as yaa baa) and methamphetamine pills mixed with heroin, said a source in the Police Narcotics Suppression Bureau. "The pills are easier to make and sell than heroin. And they get the money more quickly," he said. It was earlier reported that the Red Wa (United Wa State Army) had filled the power vacuum left by Khun Sa's defection to the Burmese ruling junta. But a high-ranking Thai police officer said Khun Sa's gang "is still very powerful." "They are no less powerful than the Red Wa," he said. Thai anti-narcotics officials confirmed that heroin-laced yaa baa has been smuggled into Thailand from areas under the influence of Khun Sa's gang and the United Wa State Army in the Golden Triangle. "We're trying to get some samples of the drugs," said an official. Thai and foreign reports, including the annual US report on drug trafficking, have noted an alarming rate of amphetamines pouring into Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia from the Golden Triangle. The Khun Sa gang and the United Wa State Army are now controlling the production and trade of yaa baa, which is worth over 100 billion baht a year, according to police narcotics suppression sources. From Yunnan to Thailand: This year's US report on drug trafficking says that Thailand remains a major centre in the smuggling of narcotic drugs, which include heroin, methamphetamine and amphetamines. Thai official sources say the Khun Sa gang and the United Wa State Army are directing drug activities in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos from their bases in Burma. They obtain chemicals from southern China, Pakistan and India to produce yaa baa at their laboratories in the Shan State and areas along the borders with Thailand and Laos. According to anti-narcotics officials, the Khun Sa gang has yaa baa production laboratories along the border opposite the Thai provinces of Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son. The Red Wa has two laboratories opposite Tak. Khun Sa's men also operate at least five laboratories in Laos, which send thousands of yaa baa pills into the Thai provinces of Loei, Nong Khai, Udon Thani, and Nakhon Phanom. The factories: After obtaining raw materials, these laboratories cook up several batches of amphetamines, pure yaa baa, and yaa baa mixed with heroin. There are five factories in Doi Pha Mee opposite Chiang Rai's Mae Chan district and in Lao Lor Chai mountain further inside Burma. There are four factories in Doi Lang and Muang Yuam in Burma opposite Chiang Mai's Fang district and opposite Mae Jai district. There are eight factories along the border with Mae Hong Son: In Doi Man Thong mountain opposite Muang district, in the Burmese villages of Ban Ta Lae, Ban Luang Pa Nang, Ban Huey Krai, Ban Mae Yuabyarb, Ban Klong Luang and Ban Huey Pao opposite Pai district, and at Ban Ho Mong (the former base of the Mong Tai Army) opposite Muang district. There are several factories under the control of the 1,000-strong United Wa State Army. They bring or provide support for those who bring chemicals from China to Burma and Thailand. Their influence has spread from border areas opposite Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai down to remote areas opposite Tak. Intelligence reports say there are more than five factories which produce amphetamines and heroin-laced amphetamines in Laos. These labs are in areas of the tribal Mong and Lao Therng, who were once allied to the nationalist movement of Gen Wang Pao. They are now under the influence of the Khun Sa gang. There are also some factories in Cambodia. Smuggling routes: The drugs and chemicals are smuggled into Thailand through secret routes in Mae Sai, Chiang Kong, Chiang Saen and the Chiang Kham districts of Chiang Rai; the western part of Phayao province; Khun Yuam, Ma La Noi and the Mae Sariang districts of Mae Hong Son; Viang Haeng district of Chiang Mai; and Tak province on the western border. From Laos, the drugs are smuggled into Santisuk and the Mae Jarim districts of Nan; the Fak Tha district of Uttaradit; Pak Chom, Tha Lee and the Na Haew districts of Loei; Nakhon Phanom; Nong Khai; Mukdahan; Ubon Ratchaathani; and Sa Kaew in the eastern border. In the West and South, yaa baa and raw materials are smuggled into Kanchanaburi, Phetchaburi and Chumphon. "The traffickers bring in methaphetamine, amphetamines and heroin-laced yaa baa along these routes," a police source revealed. While heroin produced from these illicit factories is mainly destined for Western countries, yaa baa is meant for markets in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and in Burma itself. Tourism in disguise: "It is very easy to smuggle amphetamine concentrates and pills into Thailand, and later onto Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam via the Mekong River," a police source said. "The smugglers just sail along the river, which runs from China and passes through Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam." This route has become popular after the launch of a joint tourism promotion campaign involving the four countries of China, Thailand, Burma and Laos, the source noted. The tourism promotion is part of the quadrangle economic zone initiated by the Thai government of Gen Chatichai Choonhavan in early 1990. Drug suppression agencies say it unintentionally provides a convenient route for drug trafficking. The "Four Chiang" campaign seeks to promote tourism in Thailand's Chiang Khong, Laos' Chiang Muan, Burma's Chiang Tung and China's Chiang Rung through travels along the Mekong River. "This has become a new route for drug traffickers," a police source said. Illicit substances have been found hidden among goods and the luggage of travellers. (BP) ******************************************************* BKK POST: AMPHETAMINE OUTPUT THRIVING ALONG THAI-BURMESE BORDER March 23, 1997 Supradit Kanwanich Ban Ho Mong, the former headquarters of Khun Sa, is now a major clandestine amphetamine laboratory, according to an informed source. Besides Ban Ho Mong, the drug is also being produced along the Thai-Burmese border and in northern Burma near the Chinese border. These clandestine factories are run by the same gangs that used to run the heroin networks in Thailand. To maintain their secret operation, the drug mafia in Ban Ho Mong bribed some officials in charge of the town, claimed the source, who sells goods to border villages. Most of the people at Ban Ho Mong are of the Shan minority and many of them, along with some Burmese soldiers guarding the border, are addicted to the drug. Corrupt Burmese officials have warned the drug mafia to be cautious in selling the drug to Thai traders. If the Thai traders are arrested by Thai authorities, they may reveal the source of amphetamines, they said. Burmese authorities once raided the house of a well-known Shan in Ban Mong Mai, also in the vicinity of Ban Ho Mong township. Three pill-stamping machines and amphetamine pills were confiscated, the source said. However, the suspect was freed after a former senior officer of the Mong Tai Army told the Burmese officials that the suspect was a long-time adviser to the MTA. The source claimed that some Thai businessmen in Mae Hong Son also financed the drug operation at Ban Ho Mong. They delivered their money to the drug gang every three months. The pills are smuggled into Thailand through several border passes at Ban Huay Phueng and Ban Mailun in Muang district and through several secret trails at Ban Khai Luang in the Pang Ma Pha district of Mae Hong Son. Most of the amphetamines produced at Ban Ho Mong and other laboratories are sent to Ban Mae Suya in the Muang district of Mae Hong Son. From there, they are delivered to Chiang Mai by road or on foot. At Ban Ho Mong, buyers of large shipments (over 100,000 pills) pay 12 baht per pill. For smaller shipments, the price per pill is higher. A courier who conveys a weekly shipment of over 100,000 pills to the Thai financier is paid between 5,000 and 10,000 baht. The source said that Thai amphetamine producers from Lampang and Phrae have been hired to train Khun Sa's followers as well as the Thai syndicates associated with the former warlord. Production machines were also allegedly smuggled from Thailand. Mong Thai Army dissidents are also involved in the production and provide protection for the drug mafia in areas controlled by Burmese soldiers. They use the money to carry on their fight for autonomy from the Rangoon Government, the source said. Reports about amphetamine production at Ban Ho Mong were confirmed by Mr Bunpot Piamdee, chief of the Northern Narcotics Control Centre under the Office of Narcotics Control Board. But Mr Bunpot said there were no more than 20 labs along the border and not 80-100 as earlier reported. He said many followers of Khun Sa turned to amphetamine production along the Thai-Burmese border in Mae Hong Son and Chiang Rai. Thai narcotics control officials raided a heroin refinery at the border in Pang Ma Pha district opposite Ban Ho Mong in April last year and found amphetamine pill-stamping machines there. A month later, two Thais who went to collect forest produce at the border in Chiang Rai's Ma Fah Luang district were found shot dead with their hands tied. A police search team later found an amphetamine laboratory in a cave along with some pills stamped with the Thai alphabet "Lor Chula" and number "99". It was the first discovery of its kind in the North. Mr Bunpot said anti-narcotics officers in the North have confiscated about 1.4-1.5 million pills a month in the northern provinces, especially in Chiang Rai, since the beginning of this year. The suspects said they obtained the pills from the border in the Mae Sai and Chiang Saen districts of Chiang Rai. New ingredients such as cafeine, herbicide, formaldehyde and chocolate are mixed with amphetamines to appeal to a wide range of consumers. The Wa minority, seeking autonomy from the Rangoon Government, also operates amphetamine labs opposite Mae Ai district in Chaing Mai and along the border between Mae Hong Son and Chiang Rai, Mr Bunpot said. Narcotics officials have confiscated a large number of pills stamped with the "WY" logo of the Wa, he said. (BP) ******************************************************* ALTSEAN: BURMA REFUGEE CRISIS March 24, 1997 From: altsean@ksc.th.com SUPPORT HAS BEEN REQUESTED TO: 1. Prevent the forcible repatriation of more than 100,000 Burma refugees currently in Thailand. 2. Persuade the authorities of Thailand to grant temporary asylum to new refugees fleeing the current SLORC military regime's offensive in Karen state. On March 11, Thailand's National Security Council announced its resolution to repatriate all Burma refugees when the situation became "safe". There are at least 100,000 refugees currently camped in Thailand along its border with Burma. It appears that Thai authorities have already begun preparations for the mass repatriation. These preparations are taking place at the same time that thousands of newly arriving refugees (fleeing renewed attacks by the Slorc) are either being prevented from entering Thailand or are being repatriated. Those newly-arrived refugees who were allowed to enter Thailand are now being told that their repatriation is imminent. They are being confined to camps without adequate care, shelter or access to medical assistance. The Thai military refuse to recognize these people as refugees and are severely limiting access by NGOs and relief agencies. Foreign officials have been told that the Thai army will not send the refugees back against their will, however, recent military activities on the border contradict these assurances and give grave cause for concern that this is indeed taking place. The refugee communities are now in a state of extreme fear and anxiety. It is clearly unsafe for them to return to Burma. The SLORC has tightened security throughout Burma and has increased its harassment and violations against the peoples of Burma. Despite SLORC assurances that its troops will not harm villages, human rights organizations report that most homes were looted in SLORC-occupied villages. Many civilians have been forced to work for the military as slave labor. There have also been numerous instances of rape and murder. International organizations, including UN agencies, have not received any indication that the Slorc intends to decrease its oppressive campaign against ethnic nationalities, the democracy movement and civilian citizens of Burma. WHAT PEOPLE CAN DO- WRITE POLITE LETTERS TO: 1. Lodge your grave concern at the crisis 2. Seek the suspension of repatriation activities until a) the Slorc ceases violating the rights of people in Burma b) the Slorc ceases to loot villages , and commit violence, including rape and murder upon villages c) the Slorc engages in tripartite dialogue with the democracy movement led by Aung San Suu Kyi and ethnic nationalities d) international relief and monitoring agencies are allowed into Burma as well as the Thai-Burma border areas without obstruction e) it is guaranteed that any repatriation can be implemented in full accordance with the standards if international practice. 3. Seek that the government of Thailand recognize the new arrivals as refugees and accord ALL refugees access to monitoring and aid agencies in accordance with international standards. 4. Emphasise that refugees will continue to be forced to flee their homes until genuine peace and justice is restored to Burma. PLEASE SEND LETTERS TO: His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej c/o the Royal Secretary Fax: 66 2 225 8156 - 8, 225 3457 The Grand Palace Phra Chan Road Bangkok 10200 (Salutation: Your Majesty) Note: It is traditional practice for people to seek the King's intervention to resolve difficult crises and problems. Please thank His Majesty for his compassion and generosity in welcoming refugees in the past and call upon him to continue exercising this compassion by intervening to alleviate this crisis. Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh Fax: 66 2 281 4358, 280 1443 (Salutation: Dear Prime Minister) The Secretary-General National Security Council of Thailand Fax: 66 2 280 1681 (Salutation: Dear Sir) The Chairperson Human Rights Committee, Parliament of Thailand Fax: 66 2 244 1625 - 6 (Salutation: Dear Sir) Your government's Foreign Affairs Ministry The local representative office of the UNHCR The Bangkok Post (Fax: 66 2 240 3666, email: postbag@bangkokpost.net) The Nation (Fax: 66 2 317 2071, email: editor@nation.nationgroup.com) If possible, please send a delegation your closest Thai diplomatic mission to present a copy of your letter. This would be an opportunity to focus your local media on the issue. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Please note our new contact details with immediate effect: ALTSEAN-BURMA (Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma) Tel: 66 2 275 1811 Tel/fax: 66 2 693 4515 Our postal address remains as c/o Forum-Asia 109 Suthisarnwinichai road Samsennok, Huaykwang Bangkok 10320 Thailand ****************************************