SMCP-Rebels face new offensive: gen

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Subject: SMCP-Rebels face new offensive: general 

South China Morning Post
Saturday  December 19  1998

Rebels face new offensive: general


AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE in Chiang Mai, Thailand
The Burmese army is preparing for a major dry-season offensive against
insurgents holding out in provinces bordering Thailand, a senior Thai army
officer says.

"The Rangoon Government is speeding up its efforts to exterminate minority
groups," said Lieutenant-General Sommai Vichavorn, commander of Thailand's
third army.

General Sommai said the Thai army would not allow fighting to spill over
into its western provinces.

Thai military reports said the Burmese army would launch offensives early
next year against rebels of the Karen National Union, the United Wa state
army and the Shan State Army, which demand autonomy.

General Sommai warned Thailand could face a refugee influx after any
offensive.

"It will affect Thailand, people will cross into the country" after any
offensive, he said, predicting it could start early in the New Year.

The military Government has been fighting rebel ethnic-based groups for
years and claims it is the only institution which can keep the nation
unified.

The Karen National Union is one of the few insurgent groups still holding
out, but has lost swathes of territory in recent years.

About 100,000 Karen refugees live on Thailand's western border with Burma
after fleeing fighting.

The Shan State Army is composed of remnants of the Mong Tai Army led by Khun
Sa, who surrendered in January 1996.

Khun Sa was described as the opium kingpin of the region. Burma is the
world's largest producer of heroin.

Amnesty International reported earlier this year that the Burmese military
had forcibly relocated more than 100,000 villagers in Shan State in an
effort to cut off support for the rebels.

Various human rights groups have reported that conditions in the new
villages are appalling. Anyone found outside the new villages was shot on
sight by the army, they have said.