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BurmaNet News 19th April #151




--------------------------BurmaNet---------------------------
"Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies"
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The BurmaNet News:19 April 1995
Issue #151

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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

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The NCGUB is a government-in-exile, formed by representatives
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(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.


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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)

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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. EQUALS US$1 (APPROX),
 BBC: BRITISH BROADCASTING CORPORATION
 BF: BURMA FORUM
 BKK POST: BANGKOK POST (DAILY NEWSPAPER, BANGKOK)
 BRC-CM: BURMESE RELIEF CENTER-CHIANG MAI
 BRC-J: BURMESE RELIEF CENTER-JAPAN
 CPPSM:C'TEE FOR PUBLICITY OF THE PEOPLE'S STRUGGLE IN MONLAND
 FEER: FAR EAST ECONOMIC REVIEW
 GOA: GOVERNMENT OF AUSTRALIA
 IRRAWADDY: NEWSLETTER PUBLISHED BY BURMA INFORMATION GROUP
 KHRG: KAREN HUMAN RIGHTS GROUP
 KNU: KAREN NATIONAL UNION
 Kt. 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
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