Firm hand needed with the Burmese<\/p>\n
The continuing cross-border shelling between the Wa drug army
\nand Thai troops along the northern border is a slap in the face
\nfor the Thai government. Thai troops along the northern border
\nhave been slugging it out with soldiers belonging to the United
\nWa State Army (UWSA), a pro-Rangoon outfit dubbed the world's
\nlargest armed drug trafficking group.<\/p>\n
And once again, villagers are exposed to violence.<\/p>\n
For the past nine months since Prime Minister Thaksin
\nShinawatra's fence-mending visit to Rangoon in June, the
\ngovernment has been saying that the two sides have achieved a
\nlevel of understanding.<\/p>\n
The Wa and their illicit drugs have effectively become a
\nbargaining chip in Thai-Burmese deals. So far there has been no
\nindication from Rangoon that they would like to see the Wa taken
\nout of the equation. The fundamental problems -- drugs,
\ninsurgencies, refugees, illegal migration and mutual suspicion --
\ncontinue to shape bilateral ties.<\/p>\n
The ongoing clashes are a testimony that normalcy is still
\nnowhere in sight. The government has to stop misleading the
\npeople. We need to hold Rangoon accountable for the Wa's illicit
\nactivities. For too long Rangoon has been playing the UWSA card
\nin its dealings with Thailand. It's time to put a stop to this.<\/p>\n
Rangoon is quick to cry foul, accusing Thailand of being
\noffside when clashes between the UWSA and Thai troops break out.
\nTheir favorite word is \"sovereignty\". But with \"sovereignty\"
\ncomes responsibility. Foreign Minister Surakiart Sathirathai,
\nduring his upcoming visit to Mandalay, must tell Rangoon it is
\naccountable for the Wa's illicit activities. In short, the
\ngenerals can't have their cake and eat it too.<\/p>\n
-- The Nation, Bangkok<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/firm-hand-needed-with-the-burmese-1447899208", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }