Chapter 465: Thailand

"Jingdong…" Iida Shojiro muttered to himself, the darkness in his eyes gradually replaced by light, and his previously restless expression softened a bit.

Iida Shojiro said, "You mean we let the Thai Army attack Jingdong, tie down the Expeditionary Force, cut off their rear, so we have a chance to readjust forces and encircle Jiang Anguo and Chen Jiageng's forces?"

"Exactly!" Yasuyama Haruki nodded heavily, his tone growing more resolute, "Commander, Jingdong is the Expeditionary Force's soft spot and also Jiang Anguo's vital point."

Then Yasuyama Haruki proceeded to analyze a situation concerning the Thai Army.

"Although the Thai Army's combat power is inferior to our Imperial Japanese Army, they are numerous and familiar with border terrain. As long as they deploy to attack Jingdong, the Expeditionary Force will inevitably split troops to support. At that moment we can seize the chance to mobilize the rd Division, strike the weak point in northern Myanmar, and in one blow destroy Chen Jiageng's so‑called 'Nanko Federation' foundation."

The most critical issue is that Yasuyama Haruki and Iida Shojiro both understand that the Expeditionary Force's troop strength in Jingdong is not strong.

This is their consensus, because in their view the strongest units in the Expeditionary Force are still Dai Anlan's 200th Division and Jiang Anguo's st Division.

Even Du Yuming's main Fifth Army cannot defeat the Japanese Army's main division.

Yasuyama Haruki paused, then added, "Moreover, Luan Piwen has long sought to use the power of our Imperial Japan to expand Thailand's sphere; Jingdong's region is rich in resources and strategically located, so he will surely be tempted. If we offer benefits and promise to cede parts of the area around Jingdong to Thailand after the war, he will fully cooperate with our plan."

After listening, Iida Shojiro's eyes burned brighter; the previous fatigue and anxiety vanished, replaced by ruthlessness and resolve.

He stared fixedly at Jingdong's direction, his fists clenching with a crackling sound, his tone firm: "Yo! Good plan! Yasuyama, you are right, we cannot sit and wait for death, we must take the initiative to strike!"

He turned and shouted toward the doorway, "Messenger!"

A messenger dressed in Japanese Army uniform, tall and upright, immediately pushed the door open, bowed and said, "Commander, what orders?"

"Immediately contact the Thai side, connect with Luan Piwen's phone, and tell him I have important matters to discuss." Iida Shojiro's tone was cold and solemn, each word carrying an unquestionable command.

"Also, prepare vehicles; I will go personally to the Thai consulate in Yangon, to meet their consul, and must persuade Luan Piwen to dispatch elite troops to attack Jingdong!"

"Yes!" The messenger dared not delay, immediately bowed and replied, turned and hurried down to deliver the order.

Yasuyama Haruki watched Iida Shojiro's back, a hint of satisfaction appearing in his eyes.

Yasuyama Haruki immediately added, "Commander, to ensure the plan is flawless we must prepare on two fronts. On one hand, quickly finalize deployment details with the Thai side, clarifying each side's tasks and benefits; on the other, immediately order the rd Division to cease retreat from Ren'ankiang and garrison on the spot. Once the Thai Army launches the attack, we will dispatch forces to cooperate, seizing the key stronghold in northern Myanmar amid the chaos."

"Hmm, you've thought this through thoroughly." Iida Shojiro nodded, his tone solemn, "Yasuyama, this matter is yours to handle; be sure to coordinate the rd Division's deployment, and also monitor the Thai side's information. Report any situation to me immediately."

"Yes! I will not disgrace the mission!" Yasuyama Haruki bowed to receive the order, turned and went about his tasks.

In the command post, only Iida Shojiro remained; he walked again to the map, his gaze still fixed on Jingdong, eyes filled with murderous intent.

He knows this is the 15th Army's sole chance to reverse the situation, and his only way to erase the shame of the Mandalay defeat.

As long as the Thai Army can successfully capture Jingdong and cut off the Expeditionary Force's rear, he is confident he can in one stroke eliminate Jiang Anguo and Chen Jiageng's forces, retake control of northern Myanmar's situation, and prove his capability to the Imperial Japan headquarters.

Meanwhile, in Manggu, Thailand, inside the Prime Minister's Office, Luan Piwen sat behind his desk, perusing intelligence from Myanmar.

When he saw the Japanese Army 15th Army's request for assistance and the conditions presented by Iida Shojiro.

The prospect of ceding parts of the area around Jingdong to Thailand after the war made his eyes flash with a hint of temptation.

Luan Piwen has always been ambitious, seeking to expand Thailand's territory and raise Thailand's standing in Southeast Asia.

At the same time, it is also to boost his own position within Thailand!

However, Thailand's national power is limited, always having to rely on the Japanese; now that such an opportunity for territorial expansion arises, he naturally will not let it slip.

But he also knows the Expeditionary Force's combat power is not to be underestimated; the Thai Army's rash deployment carries great risk.

Just as he hesitated, the secretary entered to report: "Prime Minister, the commander of the Japanese Army 15th Army, Iida Shojiro, has arrived in Manggu, waiting at the consulate, wishing to meet you in person."

Luan Piwen's eyes flashed with resolve, and he slowly rose: "Understood, bring him over. I want to see what conditions Iida Shojiro can offer, and also see whether this plan to raid Jingdong is worth Thailand's deployment."

A moment later, Iida Shojiro, dressed in a crisp Japanese Army Lieutenant General uniform, accompanied by two aides, entered the Prime Minister's reception hall solemnly.

Iida Shojiro offered no small talk, walked straight to Luan Piwen, bowed slightly, his tone tinged with urgency yet retaining the arrogance of a Japanese Army commander.

One must know that the Luan Piwen before him is merely a dog raised by Imperial Japan!

"Prime Minister Luan Piwen, I will not indulge in pleasantries; I have come today about a matter of great importance to both Thailand and Japan that I wish to discuss with you."

Luan Piwen raised his hand, indicating him to sit, his tone even, with a hint of scrutiny: "Commander Iida has traveled a long way; feel free to speak plainly. I know the Japanese Army 15th Army's situation in Myanmar is difficult, and after the Mandalay defeat, you have long been unable to control northern Myanmar's situation. Now you come to me, surely you have a request of Thailand?"

Obviously, some of the Japanese's situation in Myanmar has also reached Luan Piwen's ears.

Even though this is a very embarrassing matter, the Japanese do not wish to spread it.

But they cannot stand it, the Chongqing side's yearning for victory, and the propaganda of victory.

The annihilation of the Japanese Army's 13th Division and 39th Division, and the destruction of the 18th Division in Myanmar, has already been broadcast worldwide.

Even Luan Piwen, no matter how bold, would not dare to criticize others in front of a 'devil' commander.

Because Luan Piwen knows his current position is entirely supported by the Japanese.

With Japanese assistance, Thailand and French Indochina signed an agreement, ceding the three provinces of Madewang, Siem Reap, and Shushufeng to Thailand, totaling 65,000 square kilometers.