Thailand and US begin military exer

[dohrs@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Subject: Thailand and US begin military exercises near Myanmar border 

Thailand and US begin military exercises near Myanmar border 

BANGKOK, Oct 19 (AFP) - Thailand and the United States have 
begun military exercises near the border with Myanmar, close to 
where incursions by Myanmar troops took place, senior Thai army 
sources said Tuesday. 

The month-long Balance Torch 00-1 exercises were focusing on
training infantry for combat in mountainous areas, the officer said. 

The exercises began Monday in the northern province of Mae Hong 
Son, close to the infamous golden triangle drug producing region, 
which covers parts of Thailand, Laos, Myanmar and China. 

US and Thai military officials would not reveal when they began 
planning the joint exercises or how many personnel were involved. 

Thai intelligence sources said the exercise may be in response to 
border incursions by Myanmar troops and the junta's decision to 
close its border with Thailand.

Thai officials have confirmed their troops exchanged artillery fire with 
Myanmar soldiers on at least one occasion in the past week, after 
they crossed into Mae Hong Son province. 

However, the junta denied its troops had entered Thai territory. 

Ties between Myanmar and Thailand have been greatly strained since 
five gunmen stormed Yangon's embassy here on October 1, holding 
almost 40 people hostage for 25 hours, before fleeing aboard a 
Thai helicopter.