Key arrest in Thailand, may prove 'China link' to Indian insurgent arms

[webfact]

Key arrest in Thailand, may prove 'China link' to NE arms

BANGKOK: -- In a significant breakthrough that could provide the first evidence of alleged Chinese involvement in supply of arms to Indian insurgent outfits, Thailand Saturday picked up a key middleman whose identity had been disclosed by arrested NSCN (IM) operative Anthony Shimray.

Willy Naruenartwanicha, referred to as Willy Narue by Shimray, is a Thai national and was picked up at India's request. According to Shimray, Willy brokered significant arms deals between Chinese suppliers and Northeast insurgent outfits.

A team from the National Investigative Agency is learnt to have reached Bangkok after Thai authorities agreed to grant access for questioning. Sources said the process for extradition has been initiated.

The arrest, from Willy's home in Bangkok, is therefore technically "provisional" for now and is dependent on the fate of the extradition request. Police Col Charoen Sisasalak said Willy, 57, was accused of buying weapons to be sold to Naga rebels in northeastern India.

During initial questioning, Willy told police he was a restaurant owner in Bangkok and denied any involvement in arms deals, Charoen added.

Ostensibly running a spa business in Thailand, Willy had emerged as a key figure during the interrogation of Shimray, who had bewildered Indian interrogators with the details of his alleged dealings, the quantum of arms and ammunition involved and the sheer expanse of his reported network from China and North Korea to Thailand and Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar.

Full story: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/key-arrest-in-thailand-may-prove-china-link-to-ne-arms/1163329/

-- The Indian Express 2013-09-02

[theblether]

China recently sent troops in to camp out on border territory claimed by India, the Indians couldn't believe it. If this comes to pass that the Chinese are actively arming the rebels in the North East we could be looking at a serious political confrontation taking place between these two massively populated countries.

The Chinese won't enjoy the embarrassment of being caught supplying arms.

[noitom]

Where did Willy get his backing and support? Let's see if the Thais can run this up the flag pole and bust a Mr. Thai Big.

[ikan]

sounds like good things to have, i'll just ring up china and order a few dozen.

Edited September 2, 2013 by ikan

[marell]

This topic is way too volatile. Expect the local media will pretend it never happened and avoid it like the plague. Don't think the local government is interested in being a party to exposing any sort of 'China links' to anything.

[lostmebike]

This topic is way too volatile. Expect the local media will pretend it never happened and avoid it like the plague. Don't think the local government is interested in being a party to exposing any sort of 'China links' to anything.

Nor the national government I would think

[NCC1701A]

Wow this is some real CIA sh*t...

"...details of his alleged dealings, the quantum of arms and ammunition involved and the sheer expanse of his reported network from China and North Korea to Thailand and Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar."