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BKK POST: 980504: Large arms cach (r)
- Subject: BKK POST: 980504: Large arms cach (r)
- From: suriya@xxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Tue, 05 May 1998 08:20:00
May 4, 1998
TAK BORDER
Large arms cache
siezed
Believed to belong to Karen rebels
Supamart Kasem
Tak
Acache of war weapons, including rocket launchers, believed to
belong to Karen National Union rebels, was seized in a border
village of Tha Song Yang district on Saturday.
The Naresuan Task Force's border patrol police confiscated the
large quantity of arms and ammunition hidden in Ban Mae Wei,
Tambon Tha Song Yang.
The weapons, including rocket launchers, a mortar, three AK-47
assault rifles, an M-16 assault rifle and more than 23,000 rounds
of machinegun ammunitions, were found wrapped in plastic
sheets and buried.
Maj-Gen Chalor Thongsala, commander of the Naresuan Task
Force, believed the seized weapons belonged to forces loyal to
former KNU's central committee chairman and Forestry Minister
Padoh Aung San. The rebels had reportedly capitulated to
Burma's State Peace and Development Council early last month
and part of their weapons, which were seized by Thai authorities,
were prepared to be sent to Rangoon.
Padoh Aung San's forces sought refuge in Ban Mae Wei after
their stronghold in Htee Ter Khi town, opposite Tha Song Yang
district, was heavily shelled by Burmese troops and
pro-Rangoon Democratic Karen Buddhist Army forces in
January 1995, according to sources.
Thai authorities yesterday lifted a ban on the import and export
of goods in four border districts after the situation along the
Thai-Burmese border returned to normal.
Maj-Gen Chalor said he has arranged his troops and officials to
facilitate the transport of goods and people in Tha Song Yang,
Mae Ramat, Phop Phra and Umphang districts after the ban was
lifted.
"Now, the border situation returns to normal. Traders can
resume their trading and tourists are also allowed to travel freely
in these border districts," said Maj-Gen Chalor.
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Last Modified: Mon, May 4, 1998