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BurmaNet News: September 10, 2001



______________ THE BURMANET NEWS ______________
     An on-line newspaper covering Burma 
         September 10, 2001 Issue # 1881
______________ www.burmanet.org _______________


INSIDE BURMA _______
*The Myanmar Times:  Malaysian defence minister in Burma says democracy 
not the ultimate goal 
*BMA: NLD reinforced with new releases from prison 
*The International Herald Tribune: Rangoon: A Last Colonial-Era City 

MONEY _______
*Bangkok Post: Local firms keen to invest if Rangoon peace effort 
succeeds 

GUNS______
*The Independent Bangladesh: Ethnic cleansing campaign in Myanmar 
alleged
*DVB: Burmese air force reshuffle
*AP: Myanmar ethnic rebels cool to proposal that Thailand mediate peace 
talks 
*Bangkok Post: High hopes for Burma peace talks

DRUGS______
*AP: Myanmar-run methamphetamine lab found on Thai side of border 
*Bangkok Post: Seven held in separate drug raids 
*Bangkok Post: Speed pill dealers sentenced to death
*The Nation: Drug Fugitive: Regional Manhunt for Kingpin 

REGIONAL/INTERNATIONAL _______
*The Nation: Razali to brief Annan on talks 
*Bangkok Post: Refugees want proof of peace
*Xinhua: Myanmar Agrees to Take Back Displaced Persons 
*The Press Trust of India: 39 Myanmar nationals, 9 Thais in Orissa jail 
*Norwegian Postal Services:  New stamps with Nobel prize laureates 
[including Aung San Suu Kyi]

OTHER______
*PD Burma: Calendar of events


					
__________________ INSIDE BURMA ____________________




The Myanmar Times:  Malaysian defence minister in Burma says democracy 
not the ultimate goal 

Rangoon, September 7, p1. 

[BurmaNet adds:  Translation from Burmese language section of The 
Myanmar Times.  The Myanmar Times now prints some material in Burmese.  
It is ostensibly a privately-owned newspaper but the weight of evidence 
indicates it is owned and/or controlled by the the regime?s Directory of 
Defence Services Intelligence (DDSI) headed by Lt. Gen. Khin Nyunt.]


Text of report "Democracy is not a goal, merely the means towards 
prosperity" by Burmese newspaper The Myanmar Times on 7 September 

"I cannot support a concept that sets the establishment a democratic 
system as the ultimate goal. But I do agree that it is the only way to 
achieve prosperity," said the visiting Malaysia's defence minister in 
Myanmar Burma . 

The Malaysian minister, Sri Mohamed Najib Tun Razak, was speaking on 
Monday 27 August at the opening session of the workshop: "New Thinking 
in Regional Security" sponsored by the Myanmar Defence Ministry, the 
Malaysian Strategic Research Centre, and the Sasakawa Peace Fund. The 
four-day workshop was held at the Traders Hotel in Rangoon from 27 to 30 
August and was attended, among others, by Foreign Minister U Win Aung; 
Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, deputy director of Defence Services Intelligence, 
Ministry of Defence; Brig-Gen Abel, minister attached to the Office of 
the Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council; and Mr Shigeru 
Tsumori, Japanese ambassador to Myanmar. 

The workshop participated by professors and academics from universities 
in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Japan made an overview of the difficulties 
that Asia could face and ways to resolve those problems, and also 
discussed social matters, security in ASEAN region, political and 
economic development of nations, global changes and their impact on the 
region. 

The workshop was the second of its kind held by the Malaysian Strategic 
Research Centre and the Myanmar Ministry of Defence. The first was held 
at the Malaysian Strategic Research Centre in Kuala Lumpur in August 
2000. 

The visiting minister said that the first thing that a country needed 
was political stability. It was not important what kind of governance 
system was in place as long as that system served the majority of the 
people, he added. 

The visiting minister also noted the need to seek means to strengthen 
security in the region. Some 50 years ago, Cold War strategists used the 
methodology of western experts in their approaches to security. Whenever 
there was a security issue, they merely decided which side to align 
with. But, when conducting studies on security in the 1980s, alignment 
was no longer the option and the root causes of the problems were 
studied so that solutions could be found. Problems were no longer 
contained but pursued until solutions were found, said the minister in 
his opening address. 


  


___________________________________________________




BMA: NLD reinforced with new releases from prison 


[Abridged]

By Tin Maung Htoo 
Burma Media Association (BMA)
September 6, 2001

According to a recent report from Burma, opposition party National 
League for Democracy (NLD) rebuilds its mainstream Rangoon Division with 
those who had been released from prisons, a significant step forward but 
faced up with some differed views and voices on the notion of its 
composition.  

Sources familiar to inside party movements said the Rangoon Division 
Organizing Committee consisting of 35 members and six different working 
groups was reformed in recent weeks, reinforced with eight recently 
released  MPs.  Among those recently released, Daw San San, Dr. Than Win 
and U Hla Thein are included in the committee, along with two still 
detainees, Dr. Than Nyein and U Soe Han.  

However, there are also rumors of discontents particularly on the 
minimum input of females and a youths on committee.  Sources said there 
are only 14% or five female members out of 35 were inserted in the 
committee and there are no youth members on the committee.  

Another factor aggravating some members is the reinstatement of the 
committee chairman position to Thakin Soe Myint who is said to be now 80 
years old, and it prompted some criticisms on his capacity to lead the 
committee considering his age and health condition. 

NLD Rangoon Division, according to a former Division organizer who stays 
now in exile, is an important political stronghold of the NLD party, and 
one of the main mechanisms for the party due to its important location, 
role and accomplishment in the past. 


___________________________________________________





The International Herald Tribune: Rangoon: A Last Colonial-Era City 

Thomas Crampton

Friday, September 7, 2001

Tourists now reap the dividends of Burma's dictatorship. Decades of rule 
by a harsh military junta have quashed political dissent, frightened 
foreign investors and generally hampered the economy. Yet the stunning 
lack of development in comparison to such prosperous neighbors as 
Thailand and Malaysia has preserved Rangoon as Southeast Asia's last 
untouched colonial-era capital. Walking from the tranquil grandeur of 
the golden Shwedagon Pagoda to the British-built edifices along the 
broad streets of downtown, foreign visitors can't help but notice the 
World War II-era buses; men wearing the traditional Burmese sarong, the 
longyi; relief from the chirp of mobile phones, and little multinational 
advertising. Burma is one of the few countries on earth without a 
McDonald's or Starbucks. Even Pepsi and Coke decline to bottle or 
promote their products in Burma. Modern motorized traffic has increased 
significantly over the past few years, but three-wheeled pedicabs still 
ply the tree-lined streets. Lacquered leather sandals with velvet straps 
are the preferred footwear, and chatting at sidewalk tea shops is a 
popular pastime.

 Thomas Crampton is the IHT's correspondent in Hong Kong and travels 
frequently throughout Asia.  

SHOULD YOU GO? 

Ruled by a military government that is heavily criticized by human 
rights groups, Burma is the target of numerous consumer boycotts and 
investment sanctions. The leader of the opposition, the Nobel laureate 
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, lives under house arrest and has warned 
democracy-supporting foreigners to stay away and avoid enriching the 
junta. Others argue that visiting Burma breaks the country's historic 
pattern of self-imposed isolation. By staying in guest houses rather 
than large hotels that are often government joint ventures, tourists can 
ensure most of their money goes to individuals, not into the 
government's coffers. As for the people of Burma, they are hungry for 
contact with the outside world and almost always tell visitors they want 
more tourism. Faced with the wrath of anti-tourism Burma activists, 
Lonely Planet examined its moral responsibility in publishing a guide to 
the country. Following a visit by the company's founders in January, the 
company stepped up the pace of publication of its guide from once every 
three years to every other year. It is a measure of the divisiveness 
Burma engenders that nobody can even agree on what to call the place. 
The government changed the country's name to Myanmar and the capital's 
to Yangon; this newspaper and many other news organizations still refer 
to Burma and Rangoon. 

THE BUZZ 
For months rumors have swirled through the Rangoon cocktail circuit 
about the top secret talks between the government and Daw Aung San Suu 
Kyi, leader of the National League for Democracy. Inquiring minds want 
to know: Who does the Nobel Prize-winning democracy activist meet with? 
Is she really under house arrest or has she voluntarily withdrawn from 
public view? Will the government actually make any concessions toward 
democracy? How long will other members of her party and other opposition 
groups be willing to let the talks carry on in total secrecy?

 HOTELS 
Built in high colonial style along Rangoon's main street, the Strand 
Hotel has a credible historic claim as one of Asia's great hotels. 
Recently brought up to modern standards, the attraction of the venerable 
façade wears thin when waiters serve up mediocre food followed by an 
absurdly expensive bill. Drop by for afternoon tea, but sleep elsewhere. 
The published price of a double room at the Strand, which is part 
government-owned, is $350 a night, not including breakfast or tax. As at 
most upscale hotels in Asia, however, prices can be negotiated: 92 
Strand Road; tel: 951-243-377; fax: 951-289-880; e-mail: 
strand.ygn@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 

Although somewhat isolated, the Pan Sea is the most picturesque hotel in 
the city. It is a tastefully refurbished teak mansion surrounded by 
pools of water. Guests are welcomed with a glass of juice squeezed fresh 
from mangos that drop from trees in the garden. The open-sided second 
floor of the building is a nice place to sip a cocktail and recover from 
the tropical heat or challenge fellow guests to a game of billiards. 
Double rooms are officially priced at $150, not including breakfast or 
tax, but prices drop for long stays or groups: 35 Taw Win Road, Dagon 
Township; tel: 951-229-860; fax: 951-228-260; e-mail: 
panseaygn@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx The May Shan is one of many independent guest 
houses. Although the rooms are small and often windowless, the location 
is central, the air conditioning is frosty, each room has satellite TV 
and telephone, and the staff is exceptionally friendly. A double room 
costs $15 a night: 115 Sule Pagoda Road; tel: 252-986/7; fax: 252-968. 

DINING 
For traditional Burmese fare at a pleasant out-of-the-way place, spend 
an evening at the Green Elephant restaurant. Kicking off with a generous 
rum sour cocktail, the meal of Burmese salads and curries that follows 
will set you back less than $20 for two, a fraction of the price of a 
meal in one of the city's five-star hotels: 519(A) Pyay Road, 
Thirimingalar Lane; tel: 531-231; 721-721; fax: 533-706. The Traders 
Hotel offers by far the best lunch buffet in town, ranging from Western 
cuisine to Burmese specialties spread across a tennis court-size area. A 
meal costs about $11 a person: 223 Sule Pagoda Road; tel: 242-828; fax: 
242-800. 

INTERNET 
Burma is one of the last countries in the world to deny its citizen's 
access to the World Wide Web. There are no independent service 
providers, no Internet cafés and the few people who do have e-mail 
addresses must send their messages through government-monitored servers. 
Even travelers carrying their own laptops and who are willing to pay 
exorbitant long-distance charges to log on overseas will face 
difficulties. If Internet access is an absolute necessity, bring a 
satellite phone with you. 

MOBILE PHONES 
Still considered sensitive military equipment, mobile phones are 
extremely rare. Installation of an entirely new GSM network has been 
completed in Rangoon, but the government has not approved operations. 
Mobile phones can be rented at the Traders Hotel for $50 a day and 50 
cents a call; tel: 95-1-242-828. 

LAPTOP REPAIR 
For minor problems, try Geocomp, one of the largest computer service 
companies in Burma: 360 Pyay Road, Sanchuang; tel: 524-273; 526-615; 
514-454; fax: 527-359. 

NEWS 
In country where censorship is strictly enforced, it can be hard to find 
out what's going on. Hotels for foreigners usually have CNN, BBC and 
censored editions of a handful of international publications (including 
this newspaper). As for local papers, the New Light of Myanamar 
(favorite topic: "Crush external elements") has a new competitor in the 
flashier-looking Myanmar Times. Neither offers critical insight about 
Burma, but the Times can tell you about any new restaurants in town. For 
news on the Internet, look at www.myanmar.comfor the government's views; 
or check out the excellent collection of news stories on Burma compiled 
by the activists who run www.burmanet.org.  

For letters to the IHT Travel Editor, Please email: travel@xxxxxxx





______________________MONEY________________________





Bangkok Post: Local firms keen to invest if Rangoon peace effort 
succeeds 



September 9, 2001 





The Thai private sector is ready to invest in businesses along the 
Thai-Burmese border once Rangoon is able to achieve national 
reconciliation with minority groups. 

This was concluded at a meeting last week in Tak between members of the 
Thai Chamber of Commerce, provincial chambers of commerce and 
entrepreneurs during the visit to Thailand of Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, first 
secretary of Burma's State Peace and Development Council. 

Niyom Wairatchapanich, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce's border 
trade committee, said Thai and Burmese investors had long planned to 
invest in various businesses along the border where land is fertile with 
water resources, raw materials, labour and natural resources. In the 
past, investments were mostly made in logging but they were hampered by 
fighting between Rangoon and minority groups, particularly the Karen 
National Union, Karenni National Progressive Party and Shan State Army. 

Areas along the Burmese border are suitable for agro-industries and 
tourism as they are rich in natural resources and culture, he said. 

The private sector in Tak in 1994 tried to promote an air route between 
Mae Sot and Moulmein in Burma and in 1999 a land route between Mae Sot 
and Pegu. Efforts were hampered by fighting inside Burma. 

Moulmein is 96km by air from Mae Sot. It is the second largest port town 
in Burma and was a popular resort for Western travellers during British 
rule. 

Many locations along the road between Myawaddy, opposite Mae Sot, and 
Rangoon have the potential to become tourist attractions. They include 
Pa-an, the capital of Karen state, and Pegu, where the palace of the 
late King Bayinnaung was located. 

Panithi Tangpati, president of the Tak Chamber of Commerce, said the 
checkpoint at Kiew Pha Wok in Chiang Dao district can be promoted as a 
gateway to the middle of Shan state, where Mong Han and Mong Yawn are 
located. 

"If Burma's plan to eradicate drug production in Shan state is 
accomplished by 2005, the area would be good for investments in 
tourism-related businesses. They include river tours along the Salween 
river from southern Shan state to Kayah state and Mae Hong Son," he 
said. 

Trade and tourism would also get a boost with the completion of a 196km 
road from Kanchanaburi to Mergui and Tavoy, on the banks of the Andaman 
sea, Mr Panithi said. 

He said Thai traders also support plans by the government to repatriate 
Burmese refugees. 

Mr Panithi said about 5,000 Burmese refugees did not want to go back to 
Thailand after they were provided adequate assistance on their return to 
an area controlled by pro-Rangoon Democratic Karen Buddhist Army 
soldiers. 

The rest of the refugees were also likely to be quite satisfied if they 
were given the same treatment, Mr Panithi said. 
  





_______________________GUNS________________________




The Independent Bangladesh: Ethnic cleansing campaign in Myanmar alleged


Arakan Muslim leader seeks world help for asylum

by Abdur Rahman Khan
 
The President of the Arakan Muslim Development Foundation, M A Rahim, an 
asylum-seeker in Bangladesh since February this year, is passing his 
days in distress waiting for humanitarian assistance from the 
international community.  

Assisted by Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust, a legal and human 
rights organisation, MA Rahim has appealed to the international 
community for asylum and action against "the tyranny of the Myanmar 
military government."  

Rahim, called U Mg Aung in Burmese, holds an L.L.B degree from Yangon 
University and a B.Ed degree from the Institute of Education in Yangon. 
He worked as an educationist in his home town Myauk-U.  

He was arrested by Military Intelligence (MI-10) on November 23 last 
year and held in confinement in Myauk-U for over a month. Rahim alleged 
that while in custody he was routinely tortured by the army and police 
men.   

Continued torture resulted in the loss of all his teeth and severe 
injuries to his eyes, he alleged adding "I am now a half-dead man".   

Rahim was released following an order from an appeal judge?s court where 
he was not proved guilty, he said.  

No sooner had he been released from Sittwe prison than he and other 
Muslim leaders were accused of setting fire to a mosque in Myaungbwe in 
early February this year.  

Actually, the MI-10, police and Maghs destroyed the mosque but they 
implicated the Muslim leaders, Rahim alleged.  

"As the commanding-in-chief Western sector ordered the officers of a 
brigade to kill me and other Muslim leaders, I fled to Bangladesh 
leaving behind all my property of about 20 million kyats and the beloved 
members of my family", Rahim told this correspondent.  

"I do not know what has happened to my wife, seven sons and one daughter 
at my home", said Rahim in an emotion-choked voice.  

Talking to The Independent U Mg Aung alleged that there is no rule of 
law in Myanmar where the Arakanese Muslims were leading a deplorable 
life due to torture, humiliation and killing.  
The general people of Myanmar are provided with a pink card showing 
their identity as a citizen while the Muslims are given temporary 
non-citizenship immigration card in white subjecting them to 
discrimination, he complained.  

Alleging that there is a sustained ethnic cleansing operation against 
the Muslims, U Mg Aung said 18 Muslim scholars along with their families 
were drowned while trying to escape to Yangon from the state capital 
Sittwe by a launch this year. 



___________________________________________________



DVB: Burmese air force reshuffle


Text of report by DVB on 6 September

DVB has learned that many top air force officers from the Burma air 
force were reshuffled last month. Lt-Col Ko Ko Maung, general staff 
officer [GSO] from the Air Force Military Intelligence, was named as 
military attache to Thailand, Col Thein Swe, GSO from the Air Force 
Commander in Chief's Office [AFCICO], was named as chief of air force's 
external intelligence, and GSO Lt-Col Sithu was transferred as deputy 
chief of border security under air force's Intelligence Unit.  

Furthermore, Col Mya Hein, commandant of Meiktila Airbase, was 
transferred to the AFCICO while Col Khin Maung Tin from the AFCICO was 
transferred as commandant of Meiktila Airbase. This reshuffle was made 
after former Air Force Commander-in-Chief Lt-Gen Kyaw Than was replaced 
with Brig-Gen Myint Swe.  

According to DVB sources, Lt-Col Ko Ko Maung, the new military attache 
to Thailand, is friendly with former Air Force Commander-in-Chief Lt-Gen 
Kyaw Than. DVB correspondent Sai Tin Aye reported that the major cause 
of the reshuffle still remains unclear.  

Source: Democratic Voice of Burma, Oslo, in Burmese 1430 gmt 6 Sep 01 




___________________________________________________






AP: Myanmar ethnic rebels cool to proposal that Thailand mediate peace 
talks 


September 7, 2001 Friday 



SUTIN WANNABOVORN; Associated Press Writer 

DBANGKOK, Thailand 


Ethnic rebel groups reacted warily Friday to a proposal to have Thailand 
act as a mediator in peace talks with Myanmar's military government. 

The proposal was made by Myanmar military officers attending the 
Thai-Myanmar Regional Border Committee, Col. Chucheep Srisomboon, a Thai 
army officer attending the meeting, told The Associated Press. 

During the two-day meeting, which began Thursday in the Thai seaside 
resort of Pattaya, Myanmar Maj.-Gen. Thein Sein asked Thailand to 
mediate with the Shan State Army, the Karen National Union, and the 
Karenni National Progressive Party. The three ethnic guerrilla groups 
remain in armed conflicts with the government, which in the past decade 
has signed cease-fire pacts with more than a dozen other groups. Thein 
Sein, chief of Myanmar's eastern military command along the border with 
northern Thailand, could not be reached for comment. The rebel groups 
are active in the area of his command. 

Representatives of the Shan and Karen rebel groups - which have been 
battling the central government of Myanmar, also known as Burma, for 
autonomy for more than half a century - expressed little enthusiasm for 
the mediation proposal. 

"As long as Myanmar does not respect the Panglong Agreement, then we 
think the talks will be fruitless," said Tern Serng, secretary-general 
of Shan rebel group, speaking by telephone from the Thai-Myanmar border. 


The 1947 Panglong Agreement united the ethnic minority groups and the 
majority Burmese in the struggle for independence from Britain and 
promised a federal state guaranteeing minority rights. But most of the 
minority groups believe the government failed to live up to the terms of 
the agreement after independence was obtained in 1948. 

The Shan official also demanded that Myanmar troops withdraw from the 
Shan's area before any talks. 

The Karen National Union, or KNU, echoed the Shan's position. 

"The KNU welcomes Myanmar's proposal to have Thailand mediate talks, but 
Myanmar's earlier demand for the KNU to enter the legal fold and give up 
armed struggle before talks is not acceptable," Mahn Sha, the group's 
secretary-general, told The Associated Press by telephone. 

"Entering the legal fold, meaning to be under the control of the Myanmar 
military regime, is unacceptable by the KNU. We are demanding equality 
for all ethnic nationalities. We demand the right of 
self-determination," Mahn Sha said. 

The KNU, regarded as the best organized and strongest of the ethnic 
groups still fighting the government, held peace talks with Myanmar's 
military regime in 1996 but with no success. 

The Karenni National Progressive Party, which also carries out armed 
struggle, could not be contacted for comment. 

  
 


___________________________________________________



Bangkok Post: High hopes for Burma peace talks 



September 9, 2001 


Third Army commander Watananchai Chaimuenwong was optimistic that talks 
between Rangoon and rebel groups would bear a positive outcome that 
could lead to regional stability. 

Lt-Gen Watanachai said he would try to arrange a meeting between Burma's 
Triangle Region commander Thein Sein and Col Yord Serk, Shan State Army 
leader. Rangoon had not set any precondition for the meeting, which was 
a good sign, he said. 

"At least they have a chance to meet each other and exchange ideas about 
how to achieve national reconciliation. We should be optimistic," he 
said. 

During the 19th regional border meeting in Chon Buri, Maj-Gen Thein Sein 
asked him to mediate with the groups to end the armed insurrection in 
Burma. 

"He personally wants me to arrange the meeting with the SSA first so I 
will do my best," said Lt-Gen Watanachai. 

He was confident about a new round of border co-operation between 
Thailand and Burma. 

"Burma and Thailand agreed that from now on any border area suspected by 
either side of irregular activities could be jointly examined," he said. 


Citing security reasons, Maj-Gen Thein Sein had proposed closure of the 
Burmese border pass, BP1, opposite Giew Pha Woak checkpoint in Chiang 
Mai's Mae Ai district. Rangoon wants to rearrange the border area after 
SSA rebels increased activities. 


________________________DRUGS______________________








AP: Myanmar-run methamphetamine lab found on Thai side of border 

: MAE SOT, Thailand 

September 9, 2001

Thai authorities Sunday raided a drug laboratory operated by Myanmar 
smugglers on the Thai side of the border in an ongoing campaign against 
drug trafficking from Myanmar. 

A Myanmar woman, identified as Win Yee, 45, was arrested in the 
operation in Mae Sot town in Tak province, 370 kilometers (230 miles) 
northwest of Bangkok, officials said. Police found 200 methamphetamine 
tablets, 3.6 kilograms (7.92 pounds) of powder, enough to make 42,500 
more tablets, and a machine for making tablets. 

They also seized Thai bank passbooks and a money transfer document for a 
Myanmar bank in the names of three Myanmar men. 

"We are going to find their links and other places where they are 
producing methamphetamine," said Col. Inthawat Leejinda, deputy 
commander of Thai Army Task Force 4, which was part of the 
anti-smuggling operation. 

The government of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has made fight 
against drugs one of its key policies. Officials say drugs are the 
leading national security threat. Most drugs are thought to be smuggled 
from Myanmar, the world's biggest producer of opium, the raw material of 
heroin. 

Thai law prescribes the death penalty for most serious drug trafficking 
offenses. 




___________________________________________________



Bangkok Post: Seven held in separate drug raids 



September 9, 2001 


Police arrested seven drug suspects in two separate raids on Friday and 
seized 600,000 methamphetamine pills. Pol Lt-Gen Priewpan Damapong, 
chief of Narcotics Suppression Bureau, said police in Nonthaburi first 
arrested Manoon Inchan, 48, in Bang Yai district, and seized 100,000 
speed pills. 

About 500,000 speed pills were seized in Min Buri district, Bangkok, and 
six suspects were arrested. They were Supin Saenset, 40, Nittayaporn 
Kanthathong, 24, Banchong Temprom, 35, Yapa sae Thuen, 29, Ahle 
Saenchai, 29, and Phon Ruankhom, 29. 

Mrs Phon was known to be a major dealer who was supplied with drugs 
directly from the Red Wa in Burma. 




__________________________________________________




Bangkok Post: Speed pill dealers sentenced to death

 Saturday 08 September 2001


Two Chinese Haw and a Burmese drug dealer were sentenced to death by the 
Criminal Court yesterday. 

A Thai woman, Prachak Saengpratheep, who bought some 64,000 speed pills 
from them, was given a 50-year jail term. 

Two of the three sentenced to death were Chinese Haw tribesmen Ar-hong 
sae Soo, 27, and Ar-sing sae Lee, 28. The other was Ar-liang sae Chern, 
28, a Burmese national. Initially, the court also gave Prachak a death 
sentence but decided to reduce it to 50 years in jail because her 
confession had led to the arrest of the foreign drug gang. 

The three foreigners, charged with possessing 1,730,000 speed pills, had 
sold some 64,000 tablets to Prachak, a garment trader, for 1.5 million 
baht. 

The woman was arrested in tambon Pratchathippatai, Thanyaburi district, 
Pathum Thani, on Feb 10 by police officers posing as buyers. 

She told police she had bought the drugs from Ar-sing and his gang. 

Ar-sing was arrested in a restaurant in Huay Khwang on the same day. 
Ar-hong and Ar-liang were later apprehended in the Charoenkrung area. 








__________________________________________________



The Nation: Drug Fugitive: Regional Manhunt for Kingpin 

Published on Sep 7, 2001 


Thailand will ask China and Burma for help to locate Thai drug fugitive  
Surachai Ngernthongfoo, or Bang Ron, allegedly leader of one of the 
country?s  largest amphetamine distribution networks, a senior source 
from the Office of  Narcotic Control Board (ONCB) said yesterday. 

The request would be forwarded via existing channels for antidrug 
cooperation  that Thailand maintains with the two countries, the source 
said.  
?To ask China and Burma for help in finding Bang Ron does not mean that 
we  know for sure he is now taking shelter in either country,? the 
source said.  ?However we believe Surachai has connections with 
drugtrafficking syndicates  operating in those countries.? 

The ONCB will send photographs of Bang Ron and arrest warrants to China 
and  Burma as part of its quest to locate and arrest the ring leader, 
who escaped  after a dramatic police raid on his home in 1998. 

The ONCB will ask China for information about Burmese drug gangs 
operating  along its border that may be sheltering Bang Ron, the source 
said.  
>From Burma, Thailand will ask that the government recheck a report that 
the  fugitive stayed with a Wa ethnic gang that is a major producer of 
drugs in  the country. 

Bang Ron is believed to have fled to Burma via Kanchanaburi province.  
?According to our intelligence, we believe Bang Ron is not in Bangkok,  
[because we are] still closely watching his family, relatives and close  
aides,? the source said. 

Surachai is suspected of being the ring leader of a wellorganised  
drugtrafficking ring operating in Bangkok and the border province of  
Kanchanaburi. 

A police SWAT team swooped on his home in Nong Jok district in October 
1998  but encountered a hail of bullets from guards stationed at the 
house. But in  the aftermath of the raid, police confiscated more than 
758,000 amphetamine  pills and uncovered Bt200,000 cash hidden inside 
his luxury home.  

Police said Surachai used to bury speed pills smuggled from Burma 
beneath a  bear?s cage at his home so, in the event of a raid, sniffer 
dogs would be put  off by the bear?s strong scent. They believe there 
could still be as much as  Bt100 million circulating within Surachai?s 
drug network. Residents in the  vicinity of his home said Surachai 
frequently had drugs flown in from Burma,  and that light planes used 
nearby farmland as a clandestine landing strip.  

He is believed to have close connections with senior Thai police and 
army  officers, and they are thought to have aided his escape. Initial 
reports  suggested Surachai had taken refuge with the Wa and then 
underwent cosmetic  surgery so he could return to Bangkok. 

Marisa Chimprabha 



___________________ REGIONAL/INTERNATIONAL___________________
				


The Nation: Razali to brief Annan on talks 


September 7, 2001, Friday 





United Nations envoy Razali Ismail is going to New York next week to 
brief UN secretary-general Kofi Annan personally on the outcome of his 
visit to Burma last week. 

Diplomats in Rangoon say opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi appears 
relaxed and is confident that reconciliation talks are progressing well. 


Talks between the opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and the countrys 
military rulers could be on the verge of a major political breakthrough, 
says an Asian diplomat based in Rangoon who didnt want to be identified. 
Razali, though, is more subdued. He said his trip was very satisfactory, 
and both sides were working towards national reconciliation. He declined 
to give any further details. 

The talks are secret and none of the parties is prepared to reveal the 
substance of the discussions at this stage, said a senior member of Suu 
Kyis party, the National League for Democracy (NLD). 

Substantial movement towards breaking the countrys political deadlock 
appears near. Everyone is being tight-lipped about the talks, says a 
Rangoonbased journalist. 

The Burmese official media didnt even report his visit. This is because 
the talks have reached a particularly sensitive stage, he says. 

Western diplomats in Rangoon say an air of expectation pervades the 
capital. Sources in the UN say they expect further releases of political 
prisoners as a result of Razalis current trip, probably by the end of 
this week. How many, and who, will reflect how serious Burmas generals 
are about the talks becoming more substantial, they said. 

For now, the talks are still at the confidence-building stage, according 
to a senior member of the NLD. But party leaders, including Suu Kyi, are 
anxious to see the talks develop. 

This can only happen if the military are prepared to release more 
political prisoners, NLD spokesman U Lwin said. 

He says the partys leaders understood they couldnt all be released 
immediately, and had submitted a list of priorities. But the bottom 
line, he says, is the release of all political prisoners within an 
agreed timeframe. 

Privately, NLD leaders say this means by the end of the year at the 
latest. Human rights groups believe there are more than 1,500 political 
prisoners in Burmas jails. 

As pressure from the international community has brought the talks to 
this point, its now time for them to think creatively about how to move 
the process forward constructively, said a senior source at the UN who 
spoke on condition of anonymity. 

Most diplomats accept that the next stage must involve some discussion 
about the resumption of international assistance to Burma. There is no 
doubt that the international community has already begun to think along 
those lines. 

The Europeans and Japanese want to encourage the dialogue, but are 
reluctant to take any action which might slow the pace of the talks. 

Washington is increasingly concerned about Chinas growing influence in 
Burma and feels that they must accommodate Burma if they are to 
effectively counter Chinas domineering presence in the region. 

Many observers still believe the military regime are only making the 
minimum concessions necessary in order to deflect international 
criticism of its conduct at international bodies such as the UN Human 
Rights Commission and UN General Assembly. 

But the NLD has also begun to discuss the need to allow what it calls 
limited humanitarian assistance from the international community even 
while the generals are still in power. 


___________________________________________________




Bangkok Post: Refugees want proof of peace 


September 8, 2001 

The government must not repatriate Burmese refugees until there is firm 
evidence peace and respect for human rights have returned to Burma, NGOs 
said yesterday. 

In an open letter to Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, 18 NGOs and 
civic groups also called on the government to widen the conditions for 
accepting refugees, from people who fled fighting to people who fled 
persecution. 

They asked for a role in the registration of refugees, as a partner of 
the provincial admissions board, with government departments and the 
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. They asked that the UNHCR 
be allowed full particiaption in refugee protection in the country. 

The letter comes close on the heels of talks on repatriation between 
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, first secretary 
of Burma's ruling State Peace and Development Council. 

Mr Thaksin raised the possibility of military measures but made clear 
refugees would not be sent back against their will. He also advocated 
the participation of the UNHCR and other international agencies in the 
provision of vocational training for returnees in a safe area on the 
Burmese side. 

The NGOs asked the government to let them conduct capacity-building 
programmes with refugees, including vocational training, higher 
education and alternative education. They urged the government to set up 
a national committee to study and recommend long- and short-term 
policies on all displaced persons, including refugees and migrant 
workers. 

The panel should incorporate academics, NGOs, and relevant government 
departments, with decision-making and implementation processes that are 
"transparent and open for public participation". 

"Durable solutions to refugee problems will require the Thai government 
to deal with complicated issues according to the principles of human 
rights, non-violence and the Thai constitution," they stressed. 

Signatories of the letter included the Yuwathipat party, Chiang Mai 
University, Project for Ecological Recovery Foundation, Community 
Theatre, Foundation for Women, Campaign for Popular Democracy, Empower 
Foundation, Centre for the Co-ordination of Non-Governmental Tribal 
Organisations, Institute for the Development of Education for 
Sustainable AgricultureOthers were the Centre for Ethnic Nationalities 
Development, Community Forest Support Group, and Thai Volunteer Service. 


 


___________________________________________________




Xinhua: Myanmar Agrees to Take Back Displaced Persons 

BANGKOK, September 8 


The 19th Regional Border Committee meeting, held between Thailand and 
Myanmar in Thailand's eastern city of Chonburi, has agreed that Myanmar 
displaced persons fled from their border fights into the Thai soil would 
be taken home, the Thai News Agency(TNA) said Saturday. 

Myanmar authorities said Friday that they would guarantee for the 
refugees' homes, security and occupations but rejected to associate the 
matter with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Chairman 
of the Meeting and Thai Third Army Region Commander Wattanachai 
Chaimuanwon was quoted as saying. Both sides also agreed not to increase 
more forces at two stations namely Chiang Rai's Masai district and 
Chiang Mai's Mae- eye district. 

Another issue agreed upon was to assign Myanmar officials to be 
stationed at the Marine Cooperation Center in Thailand's Ranong 
province. 

 


___________________________________________________





  
The Press Trust of India: 39 Myanmar nationals, 9 Thais in Orissa jail 


September 8, 2001 Saturday 

Kendrapara (Orissa), Sep 8 


Thirty-nine Myanmar nationals, who were intercepted by the Indian coast 
guard last year near Paradip, are still in jail even after Jagatsinghpur 
court ordered their release, as officials of their embassy were yet to 
come forward for their repatriation. 

The Myanmarese, along with nine Thais, had trespassed into Indian waters 
while on a fishing voyage and were taken into custody for violating the 
legal provisions of the maritime zone of India Act, eastern Indian 
state, Orissa's Jagatsinghpur District Collector, Sarbeswar Mohanty 
said. Following a trial, the court of the sub-divisional magistrate, 
Jagatsinghpur, convicted two Thai nationals while setting free the rest 
on August two last. 

The collector said the state government took up the matter immediately 
with the concerned embassies for their repatriation. The matter was also 
referred to the Federal Ministries of Home and External Affairs. 

The Thai consulate at Indian eastern metropolis, Kolkata moved swiftly 
and took custody of their seven countrymen. The Myanmar embassy 
officials have promised to act within a week, he said. 

The Myanmar fishermen are at present housed in a couple of special cells 
at the Jagatsinghpur sub-jail, its Superintendent Rabindranath Behera 
said. 

The expenses towards their daily food was being borne by the district 
Red Cross society as there was no government provision to provide food 
to undertrials after their acquittal by court, he said. 

  
___________________________________________________


 
Narinjara News:  23 Thai Nationals Released from Bangladesh Jail 

9/9/2001

>From our Correspondent 

 DHAKA, Sept 9: Only 23 Thai citizens out of 104 detained in Bagerhat 
jail near Dhaka were handed over to the authorities of the Thai Embassy 
in Bangladesh on September 3. 
The second secretary of the Thai Embassy received them at Bagerhat jail 
and took them to Dhaka. The authorities of the Thai embassy did not 
recognize 81 prisoners as the citizens of Thailand and as such their 
return to their country has become uncertain. 

Informed sources said the Navy personnel arrested a total of 104 Thai 
fishermen in three phases for their illegal intrusion into the territory 
of Bangladesh for fishing. The police identified all of them as Thai 
citizens. They were sentenced to varying terms of imprisonment last 
month and were sent to Bagherhat jail. 





___________________________________________________




Norwegian Postal Services:  New stamps with Nobel prize laureates 
[including Aung San Suu Kyi]

www.posten.no

(Informal translation from Norwegian by Burma Support/Group/Norway; 
bsg-board@xxxxxxxxxxxxx)


www.posten.no:

Written by Elisabeth H. Gjølme

The Norwegian Postal Services are contributing to the celebration of the 
 100th anniversary of the Nobel Peace Prize by producing a new series of 
 stamps featuring the portraits of Alfred Nobel and seven peace prize  
recipients. The Nobel stamps will be on sale from September 14th. In  
addition, the Postal Services are publishing one album, "The Nobel  
collection of the Postal Services", while the Postal museum is 
organising a  thematic exhibition.

The selection of the eight motives for the stamps was made together with 
 the Norwegian Nobel Institute. In addition to Alfred Nobel, the seven 
peace  laureates are: Henry Dunant (first prize winner, 1901), Fridtjof 
Nansen  (1922), Martin Luther King jr. (1964), Mikhail Gorbatchev 
(1980), Aung San  Suu Kyi (1991), Rigoberta Menchú Tum (1992) and Nelson 
Mandela (1993). The  peace laureates represent different continents and 
epochs, but the emphasis  is on more recent winnners.

The stamps are produced by two of Norway's most important stamp artists, 
 the engraver Sverre Morken and the graphic designer Enzo Finger. For 
one  year, Morken has engraved the eight portraits, while Finger has 
contributed  by filling out with illustrations. The stamps have been 
produced with a  two-coloured steel print, and a six-coloured offset 
print. 

The stamps will be given values ranging from NOK 5,50 (domestic fee) to 
NOK  10,00 (international fee).

Based on these stamps, the Postal Services are also issuing "The Postal  
Services' Nobel Collection".  The 64-page album is richly illustrated, 
and  provides an overview of the history of the peace prize. The album 
includes  a special print of pre-tests from three previous stages in the 
work of  Sverre Morken with the portrait of Fridtjof Nansen, as well as 
eight  stamps, a page of stamps in miniature, five first day letters, as 
well as  peace prize stamps from South Korea, USA and Sweden.

On September 14,  Day of the Stamp, the Postal museum in Oslo opens its  
thematic exhibition "The Nobel Peace Prize during 100 years - the 
people,  the art and the stamps".

(for a preview of the stamps, see the Postal Services Home page at  
www.posten.no; click on "Nye frimerker 14.september, Nobels Fredspris 
100  år", then on "Se frimerkene").




______________________OTHER______________________




PD Burma: Calendar of events

 
September 6, 2001
  


  Aug. 31st- Sep.7th  : World Conference against Racism and Racial 
Discrimination, Xenophobia and related intolerance, South Africa  

September : UN Special Rapporteur Paulo Sergio Pinheiro to visit Burma. 
September  : ILO Assessment Mission on forced labour to Burma. 

September 1st : Burmas intelligence chief, Lt General Khin Nyunt, will 
make an official visit to Bangkok.  

September 12th  : Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand: 
Panel--Unraveling Burma's Crisis. Bangkok. 


September 21-23rd  :  The Fifth Annual Working Conference of the Free 
Burma Coalition American University. For More Information, Contact: Free 
Burma Coalition at info@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx  

 December 1st  : Worlds Aids Day

 December 8th  : World wide celebration for the Nobel Peace Prize for 
Aung San Suu Kyi. 

  December 10th  : 10th Year Anniversary of the Nobel Peace Prize for 
Aung San Suu Kyi. 

 February 2002  : The fourth Bangladesh, India, Burma, Sri Lanka and 
Thailand-Economic Cooperation (BIMST- EC) meeting, Colombo. 






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