THE NATION: 980410: EDITORIAL:Witho

[suriya@xxxxxxxxxxxx]

EDITORIAL

Without Burma's help there will be no peace

After years of stubborn resistance, the Thai government has finally decided to allow the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) a role in overseeing the tens of thousands of Karen refugees who have taken sanctuary along the volatile Thai-Burmese border.  It was a commendable and bold decision by the Chuan government given the initially strong opposition of the Thai army, which has insisted that the border's security should be the top priority, not innocent human lives.  Until recently, the Karen minority group had been considered a useful buffer zone between the two neighbours.

Deputy Foreign Minister MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra visited Rangoon last week and held talks with the Burmese junta leaders about the part to be played by the UNHCR, including its involvement in repatriation of the refugees.  The Burmese government expressed support for the Thai plan and said it is willing to take back those refugees who return voluntarily.  It remains to be seen though how cooperative the Burmese will be in handling the refugee issue.

Since the end of last year, Thailand has been the target of criticism from around the world for its treatment of the Karen refugees, who have been repeatedly attacked by a breakaway Karen rebel group.

With the UNHCR in the field, there will be an increase of muchneeded transparency at the border, where the Thai army has traditionally had the final say.  The Thai government and the UNHCR will be working together closely to take care of the refugees and to ensure their security although the latter will not enjoy the freedom and privileges it had during the Cambodian war years.  With the UNHCR present, the hosts will be able to screen the Karen refugees, and decide which ones need to be relocated. In the past, armed elements have sought refuge in the camps, prompting attacks from across the border.

When the border situation improves, Thailand can hope that through the co-operation of the UNHCR these so-called "people of concern' will be repatriated.  Thailand does not want to give the impression that it is willing to provide housing for these groups of people indefinitely, particularly during the current economic troubles.  But out of humanitarian concern, Thailand is willing to do so for the time being.

The Karen camps are one of several bilateral issues that Thailand and Burma need to sort out.  While progress has been made on the refugee issue, both sides must work harder towards resolving the border demarcation dispute.  Thailand's border problems with its other neighbours - Laos, Malaysia and Cambodia - are proceeding well and have made much progress.  Demarcation of Thailand's longest land border, particularly at Doi Lang, needs to be resolved quickly before it turns ugly.

The Chuan government has shown some sensitivity in handling the Burmese issue, unlike during its first administration five years ago.  In the past five months, attempts have been made to soothe the strains in the country's relationship with Burma to bring about more crossborder trade and other exchanges.  Burma should have learned by now that the government, and the army are working closely together and to seek to exploit the differences between them will be more difficult than it has been in the past.

This year is a pivotal one for both Thai-Burmese relations and Burma's integration into the region.  Overall improvement with Thailand would yield generally positive results for Burma.  Without Thailand, Burma will not succeed in integrating into the region and vice versa.  Without Rangoon's sincere co-operation, the Thai-Burmese border will never be at peace.

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