Chronology

The pro-Slorc splinter group has taken up armed struggle against its Christian counterparts since 1995 in an attempt to lure them back to Burma. But many observers believe the DKBA rebels are merely proxies for the ruling Slorc.

Slorc recently saw a ceasefire agreement with the Karen National Union (KNU) deteriorate, and is eager to finally control the rebel territory to make it safe for foreign investment projects.

DKBA troops easily crossed the Moei River separating the two countries and raided refugee camps in Ban Huay Kalok, Ban Huay Bong, and Mae Hla, located in Thailand’s Tak province.

Despite repeated warnings of the impending attacks, Thai forces were unable to repel DKBA advances drawing heavy criticism from international relief workers and certain Thai government officials. A Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman bemoaned the negligence as a "breakdown in [Thai] military intelligence."

March 1997

Kissinger supports constructive engagement policy

On his nine-day visit to Thailand, former US Secretary of State and National Security Adviser Henry Kissinger voiced his disapproval of isolating Burma, supporting its participation in regional affairs.

Mr. Kissinger also endorsed Asean’s "constructive engagement" policy with the Burmese generals explaining, "We should not get ourselves involved in the domestic reforms of any country because we don’t know what that country thinks".

...and so does Nelson Mandela

South African President Nelson Mandela urged a greater engagement between his country and the Asean nations. His 10-day visit to Brunei, the Philippines, Singapore and Malaysia was aimed at boosting economic links in the region regardless of the outcome of July’s official Asean summit which will likely admit Burma to the regional grouping.

Mandela told a news conference that "We [South Africa] are willing to deal with any region irrespective of the internal policies of those regions."

But Mandela also added that South Africa "will be willing to play our part" if the international community decides o­n concerted action against the military regime.

However, Thailand’s two major English-language dailies were critical of Mr. Mandela’s Asean policy accusing him of "biting the hand that liberated, fed and nurtured him".

Drug suspect jumps bail

Li Yun-chung, an international drug suspect indicted in the United States o­n charges of importing 486 kg of heroin, jumped bail and fled to Burma.

Li, with multiple aliases was indicted over his alleged involvement in the biggest heroin shipment ever to the US which was intercepted by customs officials in Hayward, California in May 1991.

The escape has caused Thai authorities to investigate Mr. Somchai Udomwong, the judge who granted Mr. Li bail o­n Feb.7. It is believed he was abetted by authorities o­n both sides of the border.

Thai-Burmese army chiefs meet

Thai army chief Gen Chettha Thanajaro and his Burmese counterpart Gen Maung Aye, met in Mae Sot, Thailand to discuss completion of the of the Thai-Burmese friendship bridge.

The bridge, which was 95 percent complete when construction was halted almost two years ago, crosses the Moei River linking Mae Sot with Myawaddy in Burma and may be completed by May, said Gen Chettha.

The two sides also discussed the dredging of the Moei River’s water channel which is changing the course of the river causing soil erosion o­n both sides of the border, the construction of a 400-km road linking Myawa-ddy with Rangoon, and the repatriation of ethnic refugees fleeing a heavy offensive along the border.

KNU arms found

The beleaguered KNU was dealt another blow as the Thai army confiscated a cache of its weapons hidden near the border.

April 1997

Bomb kills Tin Oo's daughter

Cho Lei Oo, the eldest daughter of top military official Lt-Gen Tin Oo, was killed by a parcel bomb delivered to their home o­n April 6.

The parcel, which had Japanese stamps, caused the government to accuse anti-Slorc groups in Japan for the attack. Burmese in Japan, Thailand and Karen guerillas denied any involvement in the explosion while Aung San Suu Kyi condemned the attack as "cowardly." The parcel was the second bomb attempt in recent months for which Tin Oo had been the target. In December, a bomb blast at Kaba Aye Pagoda killed 5 and injured 17, but Tin Oo was unharmed.

Search for weapons in Shan State

Ten Burmese soldiers and 13 Shan United Revolution Army (SURA) soldiers were killed in a o­ne-day clash over rumours of hidden treasures and weapons near Khun Sa’s former stronghold of Ho Mong.