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Published on September 27, 2007

Charm Tong, a member of the Shan Women Action Network (Swan), said a clear policy in Thailand was needed in order to avoid any confusion if and when the Thai border is flooded with Burmese fleeing the crackdown.

Charm Tong said pressure from the world is welcomed, but added that all eyes are on China, a member of the UN Security Council (UNSC) and Rangoon's closest allies.

The international community has urged the UNSC to pass a binding resolution to "put an end to the suffering of our people".

Dr Cynthia Maung, an ethnic Karen refugee who runs a border clinic in Mae Sot district, said she was also preparing for the worst case scenario. There were already about 150,000 refugees in Mae Sot district. Most are ethnic Karens who came with stories of rape and torture.

Meanwhile, the Internal Security Operation Command (Isoc) has ordered its regional commander along the Thai-Burmese border to keep a close watch on developments inside Burma.

Colonel Thanathip Sawangsaeng, Isoc's spokesman, said the situation along the major crossings, including Mae Sai, Mae Sot and Hua Muang, were normal but authorities have been instructed not to be complacent.

Burma's insurgent and dissident groups meanwhile are planning to meet this week to discuss a means of supporting the monk-led rebellion.

"We will have a meeting to try to find a way to co-ordinate the various groups, including former students, National League for Democracy politicians and other insurgencies," said Shan State Army (SSA) spokesman Lao Seng.

Karen National Union (KNU) Secretary General Mansha confirmed that a meeting to discuss common strategy was in the works.

He denied news reports Burma's Army Division 22 and Division 44 had been withdrawn from Karen territory to reinforce troops in Rangoon, the former capital.

"It was just a troop rotation," said Mansha of the recent troop movements in the Karen State.

"But we have told the troops on the frontline to support the uprising in Rangoon," said Mansha. "There was no response," he added.

Burma-watchers have long contended that Burma's military dictatorship, which has been in place since 1962, will only fall apart from within. 

Subhatra Bhumiprabhas

 The Nation

 Deutsche-Presse Agentur