The Thai Defence Council is scheduled to meet today to discuss reports that troops from Myanmar’s United Wa State Army (UWSA) have occupied the former bases of the now-defunct Mong Tai Army, some of which are located in Thai territory.
The meeting, which will be presided over by Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, follows sightings of UWSA soldiers in Pai district in the northern Thai border province of Mae Hong Son.
The Third Army Region, which is responsible for the area, had previously negotiated with the troops and required them to return to Myanmar territory within 30 days.
Phumtham has, however, sought to downplay the situation, claiming there is no tension at the site, explaining that “The issue seems to have been caused by an unmarked border line, but we will ensure that they leave our territory.”
Negotiations are ongoing, he added.
Army spokesman Col Thirat Sombatsiri reiterated yesterday that the army has filed a formal protest regarding the matter, but he also claimed that there is no tension at the border that could lead to military action.
Earlier reports indicated that the Thai army preferred to negotiate with the UWSA before considering military action to remove the intruders from Thai territory.
Supported by China, the UWSA is a well-equipped ethnic minority army, estimated to consist of 30,000 soldiers led by Bao Youxiang.
In 1996, the UWSA engaged in armed conflict with the Mong Tai Army, led by Khun Sa, during which the Wa Army occupied areas near the Thai border.
Territory controlled by the UWSA is known to serve as a safe haven for the production of illegal narcotics, often smuggled into Thailand, sometimes via Laos.
Revenue from drug trafficking remains the primary source of funding for military and economic development in UWSA-controlled areas.
