RANGOON PLEDGES TO STOP WA DRUG GANGS

Bangkok Will Keep Tight Rein On Shan

Burma has promised drastic action against drug trafficking gangs under the
control of the United Wa State Army, while Thailand has agreed Shan rebels
will not be allowed to launch raids on Burmese troops from this side of the
border.

A source at the Defence Ministry said the deal was made during talks
between Burmese army chief Gen Maung Aye and Prime Minister Thaksin
Shinawatra and Defence Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh.

Drug trafficking topped the agenda. Gen Maung Aye, also deputy chairman of
the State Peace and Development Council, was here last week.

Gen Maung Aye was unhappy about allegations that Burma supported the UWSA
in making drugs, the source said.

The allegations painted a negative image of Burma.

"The Burmese government has promised to crack down on drug gangs run by the
UWSA. In turn, Thailand pledged that it would neither support Shan State
Army rebels nor allow them to use its territory to attack Burmese troops,"
the ministry source said.

Third Army commander Udomchai Ongkhasingh said Rangoon had said it would
issue an order prohibiting the UWSA from making drugs, particularly at its
base in Mong Yawn town.

However, the UWSA was unlikely to comply, Lt-Gen Udomchai said.

There were reports the UWSA was preparing to move its drug production base
to Ban Hong and Pang Sang towns, about 30km from Mong Yawn and deeper
inside Burma.

He expected Rangoon would this time take drastic action against the UWSA,
after giving it time to stop drug trafficking.

Thailand was keeping a close watch on the SSA to see if it was involved in
drug trafficking. Thailand would not support the Shan rebels.

"I believe co-operation and ties between Thailand and Burma will improve,
particularly after Gen Maung Aye's visit.

"He has decision-making power over several issues," said Lt-Gen Udomchai.

Further details would be discussed during a Regional Border Committee
meeting in June.

The meeting would be held in Moulmein, Burma.

Army chief Surayud Chulanont said Burma had banned the UWSA from making
drugs and declared that it would not support Wa traffickers.

However, whether Rangoon would take serious steps to suppress drugs was
still uncertain.

The Pha Muang task force has been told it can retaliate against the Wa,
following clashes on Saturday between Thai troops and drug traffickers in
Chiang Rai. Two Wa fighters were captured.

Sources said Wa troops yesterday shelled the 241st Cavalry Battalion in
Chiang Rai for the second day.

No injuries were reported. The military retaliated with 20 mortar shells.