Thailand/Myanmar
– The United Wa State Army (UWSA), an ethnic minority group in Myanmar with significant influence in Shan State, has publicly refuted recent claims of escalating tensions along the Thai-Myanmar border, particularly in the area of Pai District in Mae Hong Son Province.
In a statement released on December 7th, the UWSA explicitly declared that they do not consider themselves enemies of the Thai military and have no intention of engaging in hostilities with Thailand. The group dismissed reports suggesting an impending conflict as baseless rumors aimed at stirring unrest.
“The Wa State has never said it is the enemy of the Thai army or that it will go to war with the Thai army,” the UWSA statement read. They further criticized certain media outlets for irresponsibly fueling rumors of a Thai military attack on Wa State, which they assert have been spread with malicious intent to sow discord.
The UWSA emphasized their dedication to maintaining peace, stating, “Peace is the general trend of the world today and the Wa State has been persistent in its pursuit of peace.” This comes amidst reports from local Thai sources suggesting military readiness in response to alleged encroachments by UWSA forces near the Thai border.
Tensions had reportedly heightened following a Thai military request for the UWSA to withdraw from nine camps in northern Thailand by December 18, a demand the UWSA has not complied with, leading to increased scrutiny and media speculation. However, the UWSA’s statement aims to quell such speculation, urging both the public and media to refrain from believing or spreading unverified information.
“Some media and social media have maliciously invented these false words, which are out of ulterior motives and fear that the world will be in chaos,” the statement continued.
This development follows a backdrop of complex relations between the UWSA and Thailand, influenced by the UWSA’s control over autonomous regions in Myanmar that border Thailand. Historically, the group has allegedly been involved in the narcotics trade and has had intermittent clashes with various forces, including those of Myanmar and Thailand, over territorial control and influence.
The Thai military has yet to issue an official response to the UWSA’s statement, but sources close to the matter suggest that there is a focus on maintaining border security while respecting diplomatic channels to resolve any disputes.
The situation remains under close observation by regional analysts, who caution that while the UWSA’s commitment to peace is a positive signal, the ongoing geopolitical dynamics in Myanmar could still lead to unforeseen escalations. The role of external powers, particularly China, which has historical ties with the UWSA, adds another layer of complexity to regional stability.
The statement from the UWSA has been broadly disseminated through various media outlets affiliated with the group, ensuring that their message of peace and denial of any belligerent intentions reaches both local and international audiences.
