Two Asiaweek articles

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ASIAWEEK
March 29, 1996

BANHARN'S RESCUE MISSION
In Yangon, the Thai PM lifts a troubled relationship

By Matthew Fletcher and Julian Gearing 
BANGKOK

Banharn Silapa - archa was a man with a mission. Fresh from
hosting the inaugural Asia Europe -  summit, the Thai prime
minister is eager to be seen as a force for better ties across the
region. But last week's visit to Yangon -- the first by a Thai
premier in 15 years -- had a more immediate purpose. "The
primary aim," says head of the Thai Foreign Ministry's
economic affairs department Kobsak Chutikul, "was to lay the
foundation for future cooperation." Plainly put, Thailand's
troubled relationship with Myanmar needed rescuing.

That objective could matter to other Asian governments, too.
Despite global condemnation of the military junta in Yangon,
ASEAN has maintained a policy of "constructive engagement"
with the ruling State Law and Order Restoration Council
(SLORC). And Thailand is taking the lead in ASEAN's plan to
include Myanmar as a member before the end of the decade.

But for Bangkok, there is more at stake than regionalism in
courting SLORC. Thailand is the fourth biggest investor in
Myanmar behind France, Britain and Singapore. Thai
entrepreneurs have been eyeing lucrative business
opportunities there. Cross - border trade is estimated at $400
million annually, with the illegal figures said to be six times
higher.  

Given the cheek - to - jowl closeness, relations can easily sour. 
In the past few years, SLORC's successful drives against rebel
insurgents have led to problems along the border.  Myanmar
has accused the Thais of helping ethnic and other rebel groups,
including opium warlord Khun Sa. For its part, Bangkok says
SLORC backed a breakaway faction of the Karen National
Liberation Army, which launched raids into Thailand.
Banharn's predecessor, Chuan Leekpai, froze formal relations
with Yangon.

Last year ties hit a low as Yangon closed border checkposts,
cracked down on Thai fishermen, and moved to boycott Thai
goods. Fishing disputes have sometimes turned violent. Since
last August two Burmese and six Thais have been killed in two
major clashes at sea. A Burmese trader's death at the hands of
Thai police in the southern town of Ranong just days before
Banharn's visit underscored the potential for cross-border
turbulence.

Last week, the Thai premier moved to reverse the spiral by
signing accords to promote trade and better resolve frontier
disputes. SLORC had agreed to reopen border checkpoints.
Thailand also is to extend loans for a new international airport
at Mandalay. Relations were getting back on track. "Don't
expect too much in the way of results," says international -
relations lecturer Chayachoke Chulasiriwongs of Thailand's
Chulalongkorn University. "Myanmar's relationship with
China has strengthened. Whatever they want, they get from
China." But Banharn, himself heading for Beijing March 24,
at least had begun to swing Myanmar's attention back to
Thailand.

CANCELLATIONS

No Train to Mandalay

When Aung San Suu Kyi arrived at Yangon's railway station
to catch the train tor Mandalay last week, she was in for a rude
shock. A sign on her carriage declared it was out of order. The
wagon was subsequently uncoupled and authorities refused to
allow Suu Kyi and aides to board the overbooked train as
standing passengers. "If trains are performing like this," she
remarked, "it's questionable whether the Visit Myanmar Year
(1996) will be successful."

As the train disappeared, so did more of the Nobel Peace Prize
winner's already limited freedom. When Suu Kyi was released
"unconditionally" from house arrest last July, it was unclear
how much political freedom she would have. The ruling State
Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) made clear that
it would be up to her to test the limits.

Suu Kyi was going to Mandalay to attend the trial of two
entertainers, who were arrested for staging satirical skits at her
home on Jan. 4, Myanmar's Independence Day. Two members
of Suu Kyi's National League tor Democracy (NLD) were also
on trial for organizing the function. The four were sentenced to
10 years in jail by the Mandalay court on March 18.

More trouble was to follow. Saw Hlaing, an NLD member
who had traveled to Mandalay for the trial, was involved in a
minor traffic accident with a trishaw. This normally would be
settled on the spot. Saw Hlaing was hauled off to a closed
court and given a 5 - year sentence.

In recent months, authorities have cracked down on NLD
supporters distributing tapes of Suu Kyi's speeches. Win Htein,
an aide of Suu Kyi's, is bemused by SLORC'S tactics: "If the
government is so confident, why are they afraid of Aung San
Suu Kyi going to Mandalay?" 

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