August 8: Troops were on alert yesterday following fighting between Rangoon forces and the Shan State Army (SSA) at the Burmese border with Thailand.

A security source said the Pha Muang Task Force was keeping a close watch on the fighting, about one kilometre inside Burma, near Ban Piang Luang in Chiang Mai’s Wiang Haeng district.

Four mortars landed in Thai forest, but no one was injured, the source said.

The battle was the first major clash between Burmese government forces and the SSA this year.

Col Yawd Serk, the SSA leader, said Rangoon troops were surrounding an SSA military post in the area in an attempt to take over the position. He said four Burmese soldiers were killed.