Chiang Rai _ Planned cease-fire talks between the Burmese government and rebel group Shan State Army (SSA) collapsed yesterday, as the two sides could not agree on the venue for discussions. The meeting was initially set to take place at a hotel in Tak, on the northwestern border with Burma. But citing safety reasons, SSA leader Col Chao Yodsuek decided to call off the talks, following a report that the Burmese junta wanted the meeting to be held in the Burmese town of Tachilek, adjacent to Mae Sai district in Chiang Rai.
 
''We'd better find a venue where we both feel more secure and relaxed,'' Col Chao Yodsuek said, directing his message to the junta.
 
''Then I would come to meet you no matter where, in Rangoon or Naypyidaw [the new administrative capital].''
 
Shortly after he spoke, the SSA was reported to have stepped up control of its troops for fear of new clashes.
 
Analysts blamed yesterday's failure on a history of distrust. SSA sources said the junta had in the past ''deceived'' rebel leaders into talks that led to their arrest.
 
In Thailand, under the military-appointed government of Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, authorities have taken a hands-off attitude to talks between Burma and opposition groups.
 
''They can talk or meet or whatever, but we soldiers will obey our commander's order not to get involved,'' said Pha Muang task force chief Maj-Gen Wannatip Wongwai, citing the policy of army chief Gen Sonthi Boonyaratkalin.
 
By contrast, the government of deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra _ whose family was suspected of having business interests in Burma _ promised to provide a venue and even mediate talks, a source said.
 
Though talks could lead to peace between Naypyidaw and the SSA, Col Chao Yodsuek is under pressure from ethnic minorities who view the move as tantamount to yielding to the junta.