A new ethnic party that founders say will work on national affairs was announced during a recent press conference in the northern Thai city Chiang Mai.
The party Mei Song Republic, led by Dr Timothy as chairman, will include ethnic Karen, Naga and Kachin.
Kachin national Yaw Na has been appointed to the position of vice chairman. W Shapwon, who is Naga, is the general secretary.
Dr Timothy, who served as Karen National Union head of the foreign affairs department under General Saw Bo Mya, said: “Strong unity between ethnic people depends on truth, justice, and uprightness. We are not working for politics or military affairs. We are only working for national affairs.”
Since national affairs usually encompasses politics it’s unclear exactly what issues the new group will take on but according to Timothy there will be strong youth initiatives.
Timothy said: “Panglong was a proposal for independence at that time. So, we have no reason for participating in this 21st Century Panglong [Conference]. We won’t take part in ceasefire as well. We are not a military.”
Its membership plans to meet every eight to ten months, said Vice Chairman U Yaw Na.
Reporting by Hwan Hein for SHAN
Translated by Thida Linn
Edited by BNI staff
