For two years in a row, Wa cargo vessels had been traversing the Salween to pick up teak from downstream for export into China in exchange for machinery and dry goods greatly in demand in southern Shan State, according to several sources.
Also among the incoming cargo docked at Kunhing township’s Wan Ing village, just 10 miles north of the Takaw Bridge, were Chinese-made motorcycles. The boats then loaded teak logs waiting at the landing, 20-23 tons each, and labored back to when they started, the Ta Weun Nawng Ferry, roughly between Pangyang on the east bank and Monghsu on the west bank, about 100 miles up stream.

“The Salween is navigable only during the monsoons, 6-7 months, April - October”, said an officer from the ceasefire group, Shan State Army “North”. “But during the two years, 2003-2004, they had been able to help make short work of the teak forest in Kenglom (south of Kunhing - Takaw road).”

As a result, the once teak-green area is left barren in most places. No more than 10-15% of the forest remains, estimates a 10-wheel truck driver. One of the logging companies that had won concession in the township is Law Hsinghan’s Asia World.

The “shipping company” is said to be jointly owned by a Chinese businessman and Ta Hsarm, Commander of the United Wa State Army’s 418th Division, who was implicated in the 354 kg heroin haul in April 2002, according to New Era, June 2002 issue.

Sources however are not sure whether the business will resume this year. “Things have changed,” said a trader visiting Chiangmai. “For one thing, the area is almost denuded of trees. For another, the relations between Panghsang and Rangoon have become somewhat delicate since Gen Khin Nyunt’s departure (in October 2004)”.