Owing to pressure by the Burma Army, Mongla-based National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA) has called back its far-flung troops on the Yawng, a tributary of the Mekong, southeast of Mongyawng, on 11 April, according sources close to the leadership.
The Burma Army had insisted that it needed to place its troops there to ensure security along the Mekong. “It may be also due to Chinese pressure,” another source commented.
Chinese vessels have been attacked several times during the past two months by gunmen believed to be acting on the order of Naw Kham, 51, known as the Godfather of the Golden Triangle.
His attack and abduction of Chinese workers early this month had provoked the wrath of Beijing that had exerted pressure on both Vientiane and Naypyitaw to put a stop to his activities, according to a source in Maesai, opposite Burma’s Tachilek.
The NDAA however still controls areas north of the Lwe, the larger tributary north of the Yawng, and Loi Pang Nao (8,542ft) south of it.
“More surprise inspections on boats by either Laotian or Burmese officials are to be expected from now on,” said a Thai businessman in Chiangsaen, southeast of Maesai.
Burma and Laos, during Senior Gen Than Shwe’s 2-4 October 2010 visit, had agreed to increase cooperation along their common border.
The non-ceasefire Shan State Army (SSA) ‘South’ is also active in Mongyawng township.
