BANGKOK, March 28 (Xinhuanet) -- Tensions of a possible conflict
are growing along the Thai-Myanmar border as Thai border troops
and Myanmar's Wa nationality have both enhanced military buildup
following a bloody incident earlier this week, the Nation TV
Channel reported Thursday.
   Thai intelligence sources said the United Wa State Army (UWSA),
an armed Myanmar minority ethnic group, has reinforced four bases
opposite Thailand's border areas in Chiang Mai province, 900
kilometers north of here, where Thailand has already deployed over
1,000 soldiers, heavy weapons and attack planes.
   The move followed a Monday incident in which a Thai border
patrol team was said to be attacked by UWSA intruders within the
Thai side of the border, and a Thai soldier was killed during a
four-hour exchange of fire.
   More seriously, the incident forced the Thai government to
cancel a scheduled trip by the Queen of Thailand to a nearby
border village.
   Thailand has already lodged a protest to the Myanmar
authorities, although the UWSA is not directly linked to the
Myanmar government.
   Thai Third Army Commander Udomchai Ongkasing, who oversees
security on the Thai-Myanmar border, said the matter will be
raised during a Thai-Myanmar border committee meeting to be held
late next month in a Myanmar city.
   However, he said the incident will not affect bilateral
relations between the two countries, adding Monday's attack may be
a retaliation for the killings of 13 Wa drug traffickers by Thai
border troops during an anti-drug operation last week.
   Thai media reported that the Wa nationality's militants often
cross border to enter the Thai soil and are involved in drug trade
along the Thai-Myanmar border areas.  Enditem