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Bangkok Post (23/4/99)



<bold>Burma blames economic woes Political pressure not top
reason-official 

</bold>Bhanravee Tansubhapol and Nussara Sawatsawang

	Political repression is not the reason Burmese people are flocking to
Thailand in search of shelter and to work illegally, a senior member of
the Rangoon military government argued yesterday.

	Deputy Foreign Minister Khin Maung Win said economic problems, not
political pressure, had sent most Burmese workers to Thailand, where they
labour mainly in the industrial and construction sectors without any
documentation.

	The rest were "relatives" of ethnic minorities operating in border
areas, coming across the border for work, and women being trafficked
illegally for the flesh trade, he said.

	"We cannot accept the statement saying the majority of Burmese workers
are coming to Thailand (due to) political pressure. The overwhelming
majority is because of economic pressure," Maung Win said.

	His remarks, made at an international symposium on migration, followed
Thailand's expressions of concern.

	Deputy Foreign Minister Sukhumbhand Paribatra admitted that Bangkok's
migration problems could not be solved without a political resolution in
neighbouring countries.

	Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai yesterday called for an effective
preventive strategy by fostering "a conducive environment for peace,
democracy, and development" in the country of origin of the illegal
migrants.

	"An issue of even greater concern is the rise in criminal activities
related to illegal migration, particularly the trafficking of human
beings, women and children," Mr Chuan said in his opening address.

	"We therefore have to minimise its negative aspect by promoting better
understanding of its root causes among the countries of origin, transit
and destination.

	"Preventive actions must also be enhanced," the prime minister told the
symposium.

	Francois Fouinat, director of the UN High Commission for Refugees Asia
and Pacific Bureau, said the risk of political turbulence stemming from
regional economic woes and social unrest could result in large-scale
movements of refugees and migrants.

	It is unclear how many illegal workers are in Thailand.

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