We are right to criticise neighbour

[gawdech@xxxxxxxxxxxx]

We are right to criticise neighbours

 Thai-Burmese relations have been strained since the Thai Foreign Minister
expressed concern over Burma's domestic policies and called on the military
junta and the opposition to excercise restraint. Rangoon saw this as
interference in its internal affairs.
 Sukhumbhand Paribatra, the Thai deputy foreign minister said the concern
was expressed in a good faith and there was no intention to offend Burma.
Thailand,he said, wanted to see peace and stability in its neighbour.
Thailand will be affected directly if anything happens in Burma, he said. 
 Political tensions rose in Burma recently when the National League for
Democracy(NLD) led by Aung San Suu Kyi issued an ultimatum demanding that
the military government open talks with the opposition and open parliament
by Aug.21.
 The government retaliated by preventing Ms Suu Kyi and opposition leaders
from leaving Rangoon.
 Prior to this, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations(Asean) had
adhered to the policy of "constructive engagement"in dealing with Burma.
The Western world, led by the United States and Europe, has condemned human
rights violations in Burma.
 Since Asean admitted Burma as a member last July, Thailand has upheld
the"constructive engagement"policy even though Bangkok has been more vocal
in expressing its concern over the situation in Burma. This has been seen
by observers as flexibility in Thailand's policy towards Burma.
 The "constructive engagement"policy has failed to persuade the Burmese
government to promote political freedom and democracy. Rangoon has tried
for several years to draw up constitution. As its neighbour, Thailand has
the right to express its concern.
Editorial from Thai Rath. 
(Bangkok Post  , 7,22,98).