A Wa soldier was shot dead by a Thai patrol on February 5, while he and two companions were hunting on the Thai-Burma border, according to Thai and Shan sources.

“The Thai patrol thought they were carrying drugs,” said a Thai security official. “It was dark and when the sensors (installed along the border) were alerted, the patrol fired and hit one.”

Yang Guojong, the Wa commander of Hwe Aw based 775th Division across the border later informed Thai authorities that the said Wa soldier was from the 303rd Battalion. He was on a hunting trip and did not know he had crossed into Thai territory.

An AK-47 automatic rifle was found lying near his lifeless body. No drugs were found.
The incident took place in Mueng Na, Chiangdao district, Chiangmai province, opposite Mongton Township, Shan State East.

The Pha Mueng Force took into custody one Wa soldier together with his weapon. “He’s still in custody,” said the security official. “The other one escaped.”

Nawng Wen, opposite Mueng Na, once a small village, has become bigger since the once cordial relations between the United Wa State Army (UWSA) and the Burmese Army, turned sour following the latter’s demand for the former to place itself under the latter’s command.

“There are more Wa soldiers and more Wa families who had moved in, since last year,” said a local Shan. “I think they will seek refuge in Thailand once hostilities break out.”

The UWSA has five “divisions,” commanded by Wei Xuegang, along the Thai-Burma border.