Thais deploy in disputed sea, but p

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Subject: Thais deploy in disputed sea, but plan talks

Thais deploy in disputed sea, but plan talks
04:34 a.m. Jan 27, 1999 Eastern
BANGKOK, Jan 27 (Reuters) - Thailand's military said on Wednesday it would
hold talks in March with officers from Myanmar to ease border tensions, but
as a precaution had sent more naval forces to a disputed area where five
people were killed recently.

Thai armed forces chiefs met on Wednesday morning to discuss the dispute
with Myanmar over territory off Thailand's Ranong province and Myanmar's
Victoria Point, military spokesman Major General Banchorn Chavalsilp told a
news conference.

``The military believes only peaceful talks can bring an end to border
dispute,'' he said.

Armed vessels from both countries have exchanged shots in the disputed area
recently, killing at least five people and straining relations between the
neighbours.

He said the Joint Regional Border Committee, which groups Thai and Myanmar
officers from all services, would hold talks in March to find a solution to
the dispute. But in the meantime, Thailand was taking precautionary steps.

``We have told the Thai trawlers not to violate Myanmar's water territory,
but at the same time we are taking precautionary measures in the area to
protect the interest of the nation,'' Banchorn said.

He did not elaborate, but another military source said the precautions
involved stationing more naval forces in the area.

The head of Myanmar's military government, Senior General Than Shwe, was
expected to visit Thailand late next month. Thai officials say the border
dispute was expected to dominate his discussions with Prime Minister Chuan
Leekpai.