To the chagrin of Chinese authorities who reportedly believe Sai Aung Myat is the one who carried out the execution of 13 Chinese sailors on the Mekong on 5 October, his release from custody is imminent, according to a source close to both his family and local Burmese authorities.
Sai Aung Myat aka Zien Hong, 42, was interrogated by Chinese investigators from 09:00-21:00 each day on 7-8 August in Kengtung, 160 km north of Thailand’s northern most city, Maesai. Speaking in his native Leu dialect, which is more intelligible to his interrogators from Xixuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, he rejected the accusation that he had executed the Chinese sailors by the order from his boss, Sai Naw Kham.
Sai Naw Kham, 43, is being held in Xixuangbanna, after his extradition from Laos on 10 May. He was arrested there on 25 April.
From 2006 until his capture, he had been running what some called “an insurance company” for drug smugglers and boats plying the Mekong.
9 Thai military officers and 1 businessman, Olarn Somphongphan aka Jamras Phacharoen who has escaped, have also been charged of complicity with the murders by Thai police.
Meanwhile, Burmese authorities refused to hand Sai Aung Myat over to their Chinese counterparts, saying as he had voluntarily surrendered, and not captured like Sai Naw Kham, he was entitled to such privilege.
“The Chinese officials continued to push for his extradition, claiming he was not a Burmese national,” said the source. “But (Burmese) police and immigration officials found records (on August) which put him beyond doubt that he was a native of Mong Lane (Tachilek district).”
The Military Affairs Security (MIS) officer who is handling his case has submitted to Naypyitaw a formal request for his release, the source added.
