Thais are angered by this move, which is considered a way of augmenting the already considerable Wa physical presence along the border and facilitating their massive drug trade. Thailand is mounting an extensive attack on the huge narcotics and amphetamines trade which is having an increasingly negative impact on some parts of Thai society. 23 November '99 Burmese bridge building continues to advance. Another major bridge across the Ayeyawaddy River was opened to traffic last week. The new Bo Myat Tun Bridge, in Nyaungdon, is the longest in the country, and the fourth bridge built over the river.
Officials plan to build three more.
Over 100 bridges have been built in Myanmar in the last decade. The aftermath of the storming of the Myanmar embassy last week in Bangkok by armed Burmese dissidents has included the closing of all land borders between Thailand and Myanmar. Over two tonnes of gold and more than 7000 diamonds, rubies and sapphires already adorn the 2500 year old pagoda. These are the first major renovations in over a century, and thousands of people have made donations to the project. A new bridge has now opened across the Gyaing River, joining the states of Kayin and Mon in Myanmar's southeast.