Bkk Post - Thai troops repel invade

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Subject: Bkk Post - Thai troops repel invaders

Bangkok Post - Oct 16, 1999.
Thai troops repel invaders
Shots exchanged as Kayah rebels retreat

Cheewin Sattha

Thai troops fought a brief gunbattle with intruding Kayah rebels in this
northernmost province on Thursday.

Lt-Gen Sanan Kachornklam, the Defence Ministry spokesman, said yesterday the
clash erupted at 5.30pm in tambon Huey Phueng, Muang district, when a
paramilitary ranger unit stumbled on a band of 15 Kayah rebels about one
kilometre inside Thai territory.

The rangers called a firebase to fire warning mortar shots.

However, the intruders returned fire, and a gunfight ensued for about 10
minutes. No casualties were reported on either side.

After the clash, more Burmese troops were seen massing along the
Thai-Burmese border.

Soldiers of the 7th Task Force Regiment were sent to the area. Lt-Gen
Udomchai Ongkhasing, head of the 3rd Army Corps, inspected the area
yesterday and ordered the local Thai-Burmese Border Committee to lodge a
formal protest with Burma.

Earlier in the week, Thai troops conducted an artillery-firing exercise
using live ammunition near Nam Piang Din and Doi Saeng passes. Sources said
the drill might have caused misunderstanding among Burmese authorities.