Cutting off communications to welcome PM Thein Sein

By Khun Aung Kham

(Shanland] -Local authorities in Nakawngmu village, Pong Pa Khem Sub-Township, Mong Ton Township, Eastern Shan State, have ordered local people to bring down their mobile antennas, citing planned visit by Prime Minister Thein Sein, according to source from the Thai-Burma border.

Thein Sein is currently travelling in Eastern Shan State to canvass support for 2010 elections.
He used to be Commander of Triangle Region Command and Chairman of Shan State East from 1996 – 2001.

A young woman from Nakawngmu said “We were told to bring down our mobile antenna. They would allow us to use after the Prime Minister leaves. But even then, we would have to apply for permission from the Communication office. If we use it without permission, action would be taken on us.”

The border has caused consideration difficulties for the local people, especially treaders, she added.

Despite unclear reasons surrounding the Prime Ministers coming visit, it would be the same as the 25 April visit to Mong Yang, according to observer. In the other hand, people in Mong Ton, Nakawngmu and Pongpakhem have already chosen civil servant to work as polling state on officials, said a civil servant.

Some Townships on the Thai-Burma border are able to use Thai-based mobile phone without erecting antennas, not in Pongpakhem.