RTA denies tensions with UWSA in Mae Hong Son
Tensions between Thai military forces and the United Wa State Army (UWSA) in Mae Hong Son’s Pai district have been dismissed by the Royal Thai Army (RTA), contradicting recent media claims. Colonel Thirat Sombatsiri, the RTA spokesperson, firmly denied reports circulating on social media, asserting that the border remains tranquil without any confirmed incidents of violence.
“The overall border situation was normal, and there is no confirmation about any violence along the border as reported by the media.”
In response to the circulating reports, the army has tasked the Third Army Region with providing more precise information about the current conditions in Pai. Col. Rungkhun Mahapanyawong, representing the Third Army Region, affirmed that life in the border areas of Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son continues normally, and the relationship with the UWSA remains stable.
“Even the border situation in the areas adjacent to land the UWSA currently occupies is normal. Both sides still maintain a good relationship.”
Despite public reassurances, a confidential source revealed that the Ministry of Defence has instructed the army to remain vigilant and ready to protect Thailand’s sovereignty, specifically in the northern border areas like Mae Hong Son. This precaution comes amid observations of UWSA reinforcements at several key border sites, including Doi Hua Ma and Nong Luang.
According to the source, the RTA has requested the UWSA to withdraw from specific areas by December 18. This request was conveyed during discussions held in Chiang Mai between Thai officials and six senior UWSA members on November 18 and 19. However, Radio Free Asia (RFA) reported that the UWSA remains unwilling to comply, citing its strong belief in its rights to the contested territories.
Associate Professor Dulyapak Preecharush of Thammasat University weighed in on the matter, advising the Thai government to engage in direct negotiations with the UWSA. He suggests enlisting the help of China and other nations in the Mekong River Basin, which are also impacted by cross-border drug trafficking issues.
He advocated for negotiations to be conducted directly with the UWSA, bypassing the Myanmar army entirely.
This situation underscores the delicate balance required in maintaining border security and international relations, as both sides seek to assert their interests without escalating tensions further, reported Bangkok Post.
ORIGINAL STORY: Tensions rise on Thai-Myanmar border over alleged incursion
The Thai-Myanmar border in the Pai district of the northern province of Mae Hong Son is experiencing heightened tensions after the United Wa State Army (UWSA), also known as Red Wa, reportedly encroached on Thai territory.
ThaiRath reported today, November 26, that the Shan State National Army (SSNA) revealed the situation along the border at Doi Nong Luang and Doi Hua Ma in the Pai district has become increasingly severe.
The UWSA reportedly reinforced its bases in the area with additional troops and weaponry. Thai officials have attempted to request the UWSA withdraw from Thai territory but the request has yet to receive a response.
The request was made during a meeting between senior UWSA members and Thai officials in Chiang Mai province on November 18 and 19. Discussions focused on drug trafficking, illegal immigration, and alleged incursion on Thai territory.
Thai officials urged the UWSA to dismantle its bases in the disputed area, and the UWSA representatives agreed to bring the matter under consideration. They pledged to provide an official response within 30 days, by December 18.
However, the UWSA recently stated in an interview with Radio Free Asia (RFA) that it could not comply with Thailand’s request because its bases were not located on Thai territory. The UWSA affirmed that it would not vacate the area regardless of external requests.
The UWSA asserted that its actions were in defence of its sovereignty and cautioned Thailand against pressuring the group. The UWSA further warned it would respond if Thai forces encroached on its territory.
ThaiRath reported that the Thai military engaged in negotiations with the UWSA over the issue for more than a decade but the UWSA consistently declined to comply with withdrawal requests.
