Army Reviews Deployment After Hilltribe Deaths

Dear Friends:

SO! The army admits they have a problem with violence against civilians.

On another note, if you have any suggestions for our Akha Magazine in English: The Akha Journal of the Golden Triangle, please let us know, we want your input.

Also, if you would like your name listed as a supporter/sponsor of the Akha Journal please send us your name and the organization you are with. Often our mailing list shows only names, and not the other indigenous or education organizations you back. We would like to list on one page the many people who have supported our efforts here. We would also like to start a "Friends of the Akha" group. T shirts etc.

I don't know if you noticed the confusion over the US suggestion that the US equate the Wa as a terrorist organization and attack their drug labs.

The drug labs have caused an incredible social mess within the Akha community along the border, and there has been no clear action against them which there needed to be a long time ago. Who knows the reason for that lack of will? Attack something at the source, not the users who become fool enough to destroy themselves with the drug. And many many Akha have been destroyed by Meth along with many Thais and other hilltribe peoples. The men going to prison from drug effected communities grows by the month. This won't solve anything.

Matthew McDaniel

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Thailand

Bangkok Post

March 21, 2002

Army reviews troop deployment policy

The army may review the deployment of soldiers to border areas following a series of violent incidents involving its personnel and tribespeople.

Army chief Surayud Chulanont said the deployment of troops to border communities would be looked into as members of the military often overreacted to local problems in those areas.

The move follows the recent killings of two tribesmen by two military officers from the 213rd cavalry battalion in Mae Sot district of Tak.

Gen Surayud said the Naresuan task force has set up a panel to look into the killings. It has given the families of the two victims 40,000 baht.

"The two officers will face both criminal and disciplinary action for the alleged shootings. Their immediate commander must also be held responsible for their conduct.'' Military officers sent from Bangkok often had problems dealing with local people, particularly tribespeople. Due to lack of experience, they often resorted to viol! ence when disputes arose, he said.

Matthew McDaniel
The Akha Heritage Foundation
Maesai, Chiangrai, Thailand

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