evidence: To understand the conflict between the RCSS and other ethnic armed organisations (EAOs), it is important to know the political background. The era of the former Mong Tai Army (MTA), established in 1985 by the notorious opium kingpin Khun Sa (Chang Shi Fu), cannot be overlooked in Shan history. By the late 1980s, the MTA reached a strength of over ten thousand soldiers, based in strongholds between Homong and Doi Lang along the Thailand border. But MTA commanders also sought to position troops in other parts of Shan State where they had personal connections. Change came for the MTA after the military State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) assumed power in 1988. The following year, the SLORC made ceasefires with the United Wa State Army (UWSA), MNDAA and other EAOs which, in 1989, mutinied from the Communist Party of Burma (CPB) that controlled large amounts of territory along the China border. As competition between the MTA and UWSA grew, a famous fight – known as the Doi Lang battle – broke out as Wa forces attempted to capture the MTA headquarters with the help of the Tatmadaw on the Thailand border. Survivors recall the battle as a nightmare that developed over several years, with heavy casualties on both sides. The UWSA and MTA were in fierce rivalry for influence and control in Shan State politics.