Moreover, in many instances, these insurgents and narcotic gangs were in cahoots with local Thai officials including military personnel. The recent incidents at the border must therefore be viewed within this context. The Myanmar Armed Forces, in keeping with the objective of eradicating the scourge of narcotic drugs, launched a campaign against SURA insurgents. These insurgents are remnants of Khun Sa's drug trafficking group led by his former lieutenant, Ywet Sit. The Ywet Sit group is currently using the media in Thailand to try to portray themselves as a group trying to fight for self-determination of the Shan people.
Nothing can be farther from the truth.
In this regard, it found a ready accomplice from certain circles in Thailand. In the campaign, great care was exercised by the Myanmar side to ensure that their shells and bullets did not tray into Thailand as the SURA insurgent camps were located right on the Myanmar-Thai border line. The situation was made more difficult by the fact that sometimes. Thai troops are stationed in close proximity and sometimes even along-side the insurgent camps. To further complicate the situation, it has been found that some local.