A Burmese commander who surrendered his arms to the Shan State Army (SSA) South 3 days earlier is facing court martial, according to border sources. The trial of Maj Thein Tun Aung, who commanded the Heavy Weapons company #2 opposite the Loi Gawwan base of the SSA-South, opposite Chiangrai, was presided by none other than Lt-Gen Kyaw Win, who oversees the Burma Army's three regional commands in Shan State, said one source.

Leader of the rebel Shan State Army Colonel Yawd Serk says the alliance of ethnic groups fighting against the Burmese government is "stronger than ever". He predicts that in three years they will take back control of more than half of the 160,000 square kilometres they want recognised as an independent Shan State. Colonel Yawd Serk describes himself as "a simple man" who wants his people to come back to Burma to help him fight for independence. He is a small man with a pitted face and spectacles, but he has a larger presence as a leader.