BORDERING ON CONFUSION

First, the long convoys of tanks and armoured personnel carriers heading north through Chiangmai were described as part of an 18 day military exercise in May covering Chiangmai and 3 other provinces bordering Burma.

Then local sources said that the 2 nations were united in a move to wipe out the Wa drug producing army. Then after actual shelling, Burma protested, closed all crossing points and some 10,000 Thai troops were ordered to withdraw by the Defence Minister.

The on-going saga left most observers in confusion at time of going to press - and several senior Thai army offices voicing their frustration at being ordered to pull back. Thai forces were ordered to withdraw to barracks only 24 hours after 1,500 western Chiangmai villagers had been turned into refu gees by the firing.

"We want to see peace along the border, as we have to provide help to people fleeing from fighting for humanitarian reasons" said Col. Somkhuan Saengpataranetr.

We have no desire to seek confrontation with Burma." There were unconfirmed reports of Thai military casualties near Mae Sot and in Tak a small force of intruders attacked a Thai encampment, then retreated with no loss of life. Thailand denied Burmese claims that they had supported the anti-drug Shan Army, one of several topics disputed between the two nations.

Tourists heading north to the Mae Sai-Tachilek crossing for shopping or Thai visa extensions are advised to check that the border is open by phoning Chiangmai Immigration during business hours on 0-5320-1755.

DON'T GO GAMBLING!

The Fillipino card sharps were back in town last month after some 4 years absence, this time Japanese tourists falling victim. Friendly and plausible with excellent English, the team befriend people, then ask them back to their apartment for a friendly game of cards. First the visitors begin winning, then the stakes go up, then they start to lose heavily and risk being roughed up unless they pay. Three middle aged Fillipino men and one 22 year old are now awaiting trial for fraud after the scam at an apartment in Singharat Road.

ART IN CHIANG INN PLAZA

Chiangmai's healthy artistic scene brings a contemporary perspective of Buddhism and the cosmos to Chiang Inn Plaza this month, with Rungsak Dokbua's exhibition which is open until June 15th.

The artist, whose work has been shown in USA, England, Japan and Singapore, offers 'Static Image of Unstatic World' at Yin Dee Gallery from 10.00am to 8.00pm. Life like Buddha images from Thai temples are one of the central themes. More information from (tel) 0-5328-1340.

OFFICE BLOCK - BLOCKED?

A group of 7 Non Government Organisations are opposing a Chiangmai municipal plan for a multi-storey office block on the River Ping. They say the proposed tower block will be an "architectural eye-sore" on a so far undisclosed 9 rai plot, and have lodged a petition with the Administrative Court prior to the announcement of bidding results for the project.

GERMAN TRAINING FOR LOCAL TEACHERS

Three engineering teachers from CM-Tech have completed a 4 week training programme at Opel's newest German factory. From left, Chamrak Ketchom, Phanom Intayon and Theerayut Phadungkit studied dual training systems, car mechanics and electrical systems thanks to co-operation from the University of Wiesbaden and the Rotary Club of Germany.

BEWARE: RIPPLED ROAD

Nothing to do with the heavy convoys - but new road surfacing between Mae Rim and Mae Taeng could pose an unusual hazard, especially to motorcyclists. New black tarmac laid on to a previously smooth surface has an uneven, 'rippled' effect and bikers in particular should beware.

TESCO'S EXTRA 17bn "WELCOME"

As British supermarket giant Tesco pledged an extra investment of 17 billion baht in Thailand, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra welcomed the move, saying that the company could assist in developing local small and medium businesses.

The PM's comments countered criticism of such large scale retail developments, which some feel risk the livelihood of small shopkeepers.

New investment will increase the number of Tesco Lotus stores from 33 to 41 by the year end. Chiangmai's vast new 780m baht outlet on the inner side of Superhighway - between the River Ping bridge and Amity Green Hills Hotel - opened late last month to rival Carrefour and Big C.

"Competition in Chiangmai is fierce" acknowledged CEO Michael Raycraft at the opening ceremony, "but there are lots of upsides to being here."

"The local community is helped in many ways. Low prices for customers, opportunities for local suppliers and of course employment."

The company will keep it's first Chiangmai outlet open on Hang Dong Road to serve the southern side of the city.

Members only at Makro

Last month saw the Dutch-owned Makro chain return to it's "admission by membership card only" policy, concentrating on supplying business owners rather than retail customers.

NEW STATUE

Students of scholar and former Prime Minister M.R. Kukrit Pramoj, including Kasem Rojanasak and national artist Rong Wongsawan, unveiled a statue of him in Thoon-in Park, Mae Rim, on May 20th.

FLOODING COSTS MILLIONS

Millions of bahts worth of damage to property, farm land and livestock was caused by the May rains. The Mae Ai and Fang districts of Chiangmai and the Lee district of Lamphun were worst hit due to monsoon winds in the Gulf of Thailand.

900,000 ROAD DEATHS in 1999

Of the 900,000 people killed in road accidents world-wide in 1999 (the last year for which complete figures are available), 44% were killed in Asia and less than 14% in industrialised nations, the Geneva-based Global Road Safety Partnership has announced.

"You will mostly find that it's the human factor to blame" said spokesman David Silcock. The average of almost 113 people killed per day in Thailand over the 5 day Songkran holiday in April this year compared with "only" 50 killed nationally on an average non-holiday day here.

Drunken driving and motorcyclists without helmets are said to be prime causes. Authorities have promised more strict law enforcement and stiffer penalties next year.

SWEDISH CONSUL'S HONOUR

Honorary Swedish Consul Khun Vorakit Kantakalung has received the rank of Knight, First Class, of the Royal order of the Polar Star for his services in Chiangmai. The honour was bestowed in Bangkok on behalf of HM King Carl Gustaf of Sweden by the Ambassador to Thailand, Mr Jan Axel Nordlander.

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SOLD

An executive of the Petroleum Authority of Thailand, Dr Piti Yimprasert, has purchased Nakorn Payap International School from founder Khun Aurawan Chaisorn. Works is underway on a full science lab, sports fields and extensions due to be completed by January. Mr John Allen remains as headmaster and the new owner's daughter, Khun Krishya Yimprasert becomes manager.

NEWS OF THE PAST

Five years ago, 'Good Morning Chiangmai News' reported that from June to October, 1997, Bangkok Airways were offering a round trip price from Chiangmai to Bangkok for just 2,500b instead of the usual 4,560b. For 2 months only, US carrier Northwest had slashed economy return fares from Bangkok to 5 American cities to only 21.995b.

NEWS OF THE FUTURE

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Letters

DON'T GO
GAMBLING!

The Fillipino card sharps were back in town last month after some 4 years absence (...).

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