Irrawaddy-Nov 30
These days, it’s not unusual to see Thai diplomats meeting with junta foreign ministry officials, as Myanmar’s neighbor cozies up to the military regime next door. However, a recent meeting between Dusit Manapan, advisor to the Thai foreign minister, and junta Foreign Minister Than Swe seemed more than routine, given its timing. Junta media reported that the discussion focused on security along the border.Wednesday’s talks between the two countries in Naypyitaw came amid rising tensions between Thailand and Myanmar’s most powerful ethnic armed group, the United Wa State Army (UWSA). Tensions ratcheted after the Thai Army asked the UWSA to relocate nine of its military bases allegedly encroaching on Thai territory by December 18. The UWSA retorted that the territory dispute was a matter for the Myanmar and Thai authorities to resolve. Thailand has been asking the Myanmar military for help to push the UWSA off the disputed border territory for decades, but to no avail. The Wa army insists the camps are within its territory while the military has ignored the issue, likely reluctant to provoke the country’s most powerful ethnic armed group. With Thailand renewing its push for removal of the UWSA camps, it remains to be seen how the junta will react.
Amid the nationwide conflict between the regime and other ethnic armed groups and their allies, the UWSA is the only major ethnic army to remain neutral. Pressuring the Wa to give up the bases would be a risky move for the regime, since the UWSA is aligned with ethnic armed groups that have seized most of northern Shan State from regime forces. So, will the regime risk aggravating tensions with the country’s most powerful ethnic army to appease Thailand? Read more at:
