One of Burmese Army’s top commanders, Chairman of Shan State (East) Peace and Development Council and Commander of Kengtung-based Triangle Region Command Maj-Gen Kyaw Phyoe is now visiting border areas with Thailand, where the junta-backed militia units and another ceasefire group, the United Wa State Army (UWSA)’s southern fighters are active, according to sources from the border.
Local authorities said that the General’s trip was only to monitor improvement of local development and condition of the junta’s newly expanded militia units, said a resident from Pongpakhem, a sub-township of Mongton township, opposite Chiangmai.
Maj-Gen Kyaw Phyoe
However, no villagers were reported to be seen at the meeting in Pongpakhem except for some civil servants. She said, “It was just a closed door meeting, because they did not inform locals as before.”
A border watcher said that the general’s trip might be for three reasons: to inspect militia conditions, to inspect improvement of local hydropower plants and to keep persuading the UWSA’s 171st Military Region to transform into a Border Guard Force (BGF).
Militias in Mongton are reported to have applied for teakwood concession from BP1 (Boundary Pillar#1), the border pass between Mongton Township and Chiangdao of Chiangmai province to Mongton, in order to be able to buy enough supplies to provide and look after their men, said a resident from Nakawngmu, a village in Pongpakhem sub-township, 29 miles north of the Chiangmai border.
The Mongton township militia head is Tin Win and Ja Pikoi, based in Pongpakhem and Jakaw, based in Mongton are deputy commanders.
The General was reported to have come on 14 December, along with 8 trucks (4 six-wheels and 4 four-wheels) and went through to Mongjawd, 20 miles west opposite Chiangmai's Wianghaeng District, where the UWSA’s 772nd brigade is based, said the source.
The next day, the General returned to Nakawngmu-based Infantry Battalion (IB) #65 base and continued his trip to Pongpakhem accompanied by a Lahu militia truck led by Ja Pikoi and another Wa truck on 16 December.
He is now said to be at Hwe Pakhee (Lahu village), 18 miles (29 km) north of BP1.
