Negotiations on the withdrawal from Thai territory of ethnic Wa troops are ongoing with Myanmar’s United Wa State Army (UWSA), according to the 3rd Army Region commander.
Lieutenant General Kittipong Jamsuwan made the comment in a statement on the UWSA issue during an event in Phitsanulok.
The UWSA is Myanmar’s largest ethnic army and has nine bases along the Thai border under its Military Region 171 in southern Shan State. The Wa control two non-contiguous territories in Shan State, the other being the Wa Special Region bordering China in the north.
UWSA spokesman Nyi Rang told The Irrawaddy on Nov. 26 that Thailand had asked for the removal of the nine bases and deployed troops on the border.
Thai media reported on the same day that tensions were growing in Pai District of Thailand’s Mae Hong Son Province after the UWSA reportedly reinforced the bases with more troops and weaponry. They said the Thai army had stationed artillery near the bases to support Thai infantry units.
In his recent statement, Lt-Gen Kittipong reiterated that the 3rd Army Region is fully prepared to handle any conflict, though he stressed that military action is a last resort.
“Conflicts exist globally. There’s no need to escalate them unnecessarily,” he said.
Negotiations are ongoing at multiple levels, leaving room for peaceful resolutions, the commander added. He was understood to be referring to the UWSA issue.
Kittipong clarified that Wednesday was not a fixed deadline for receiving a response from the UWSA regarding the troop withdrawal. Thai forces are on full alert around the clock and are currently engaged in routine annual training exercises, which include relocating troops and equipment to training locations.
On Dec. 16, a Facebook page named Wa News Land denied reports circulating in Thai media that the UWSA in Military Region 171, or the Southern Wa Army, had agreed to withdraw troops from seven disputed areas along the Thai-Myanmar border within three to four months.
In Phitsanulok, Lt-Gen Kittipong was attending an event focused on improving the skills and operational capabilities of authorities responsible for border security development projects.
The event was part of security development strategies for 2023–2030, as outlined by the Thai National Security Council (NSC).
The capability improvement program aims to equip personnel and agencies with the knowledge needed to plan security effectively and integrate it into provincial development plans to produce tangible outcomes.
Parts of this article first appeared in The Bangkok Post.
