A public exercise to evacuate Thai citizens on the Chiangmai border, opposite Mongton township, in the event of a renewed war between the ethnic resistance and the Burma Army was held yesterday under the auspices of the Royal Thai Army’s Phamueng Force, according to border sources.
The mock evacuation was conducted at two tambons (village tracts): Mueng Na in Chiangdao district and Mornpin (Naw Lae village) in Fang district. Both village tracts had already undergone bitter experience of the fighting across the border spilling over into Thai soil.
Helicopters were also deployed to transport the “elderly” and “injured”.
According to Krungthep Thurakij Online, the exercise involved screening of the evacuees and compilation of bio-data in order to differentiate aliens from citizens.
Col Chalongchai Chaiyakham, Deputy Commander of Phamueng Force, told Krungthep Thurakij, “The relationship between the two countries are cordial, but we should not be careless,” adding that there was a real probability that the new government in Naypyitaw might be launching offensives against armed resistance movements in the near future.
The Shan State Army (SSA) South and the United Wa State Army (UWSA) are active opposite Chiangmai province.
Another senior officer from Phamueng Force explained that the mock evacuations are an annual affair to keep the people on the alert. It has already held similar exercises in Maesai, Mae Ai and Wiang Haeng districts for this year.
According to Information Minister Kyaw Hsan, out of 17 Major armed groups and 23 minor armed groups that had made peace with the Burmese government since 1989:
- 15 surrendered
- 5 became Border Guard Forces (BGFs)
- 15 became People’s Militia Forces (PMFs)
The five that have refused either to surrender or become BGFs / PMFs are Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), United Wa State Army (UWSA), National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA), New Mon State Party (NMSP) and Karen National Union (Htay Maung splinter group).
