WA REBELS have encroached on Thai territory in the high terrains of Mae Hong Son’s Pai district and set up a base there with the military working hard to resolve the problem, House Committee on National Security, Border Affairs, National Strategies & Reforms Chair Rangsiman Rome said today (Dec. 13), according to Naewna newspaper.
The Thai side, especially the military is trying every way to get the Wa rebels of United Wa State Army to dismantle their base and withdraw but there is no guarantee or commitment that they would do so, Rangsiman, who is People’s Party MP, said after a committee meeting where relevant agencies had been invited to clarify this issue.
The committee decided to give the agencies time to implement the guidelines discussed at the meeting with there to be a follow-up meeting on any additional measures next month.
If the Wa rebels refuse to dismantle their base and withdraw disscusions will be held with Supreme Commander Gen. Songwit Noonpakdee and Army Chief Gen. Pana Klaewplodthukon on the next approach, he said
The committee has advised the Foreign Ministry that old methods may not work with Wa rebels and it may be necessary to talk to major powers to exert pressure on them. The ministry has accepted this advice and the committee will now wait and see what happens next.
“This encroachment, it is definitely an encroachment of Thai territory. As a Thai, and an MP and chair of the security committee, I confirm I will not allow the armed group to set up a base on Thai territory,” he said.
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Top and Front Page: Wa rebels. Photo: Workpointtoday.com
Insert: House Committee on National Security, Border Affairs, National Strategies & Reforms Chair Rangsiman Rome. Photo: Thai Rath
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