The United Wa State Army (UWSA) has confirmed reports that it has been told by Thailand’s military to move nine of its camps in southern Shan State away from the Thai-Myanmar border.
The powerful ethnic armed group was reportedly ordered by Thai military officials to dismantle the camps during a recent meeting in the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai.
However, the camps remain in place, prompting the Thai side to strengthen its military presence along the border, according to UWSA spokesperson Nyi Yan.
“The Thai side has built up its forces, while on our side, everything remains as usual,” Nyi Yan told Myanmar Now on Tuesday.
According to Thai news outlet Khaosod, artillery units from Thailand’s 3rd Army region, stationed near border areas adjacent to the UWSA’s 171st military region, have been placed on standby amid the rising tensions between the two sides.
It added. . .
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