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Bkk Post - Rangoon agrees to talks



Subject: Bkk Post - Rangoon agrees to talks on migrants

Bangkok Post - Aug 26, 1999.
Rangoon agrees to talks on migrants
Post Reporters

Burma has agreed to high level talks on the future of its refugees and
illegal immigrants in Thailand, as part of a joint effort to solve
outstanding problems between the two countries.

Approval had come from Gen Than Shwe, the chairman of the ruling State Peace
and Development Council, during talks with Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan,
ministry spokesman Don Pramudwinai said.

He gave no date for the talks or any indication who would be involved.

Thailand is home to several hundred thousand Burmese immigrants, most of
whom are working illegally. Due to continuing demand for their cheap labour,
an Aug 4 deadline to restrict their employment has not been fully enforced.

Mr Surin was in Rangoon for the fifth Thailand-Burma Joint Commission
meeting, which agreed to revitalise joint patrols to combat illegal
activities along the border, including the smuggling of cars, gems and
artifacts.

Lt Gen Khin-Nyunt, the SPDC first secretary-general, had affirmed Burma's
determination to curb the drug trade, in line with Gen Than Shwe's pledge to
Prime minister Chuan Leekpai during a visit to Chiang Mai last March, the
spokesman said.

Burma also called for more investment from Thailand in the tourism sector,
and agreed in principle to a Thai proposal for a second bridge, between
Thachilek, in Burma's Keng Tung province, and Mae Sai district, in Chiang
Rai, the spokesman said. An oldbridge already exists at the proposed site.

The Myawaddy-Mae Sot bridge, opened two years ago, will be maintained by a
joint committee to be set up as soon as possible.

Operation of this bridge has been less than smooth. Burma has closed its
border checkpoint there on a number of occasions for economic and security
reasons.

Burma agreed to a Thai proposal to set up a township border committee at
Chiangdao, Chiang Mai province, in addition to coordinating bodies in Ranong
and Mae Hong Son, the spokesman said.

Burma last week closed the checkpoint opposite Chiangdao point after
Thailand closed San Ton Du further north to prevent an influx of
amphetamines.

Thailand expressed concern about the social effects of gambling dens
operating along the border, Mr Don said.

The two sides pledged to reduce trade barriers. Trade in the first half of
this year totalled US$267.9 million, a 27% increase over the same period
last year.

The two foreign ministers signed an agreement on visa exemptions for
official and diplomatic passports and on cultural cooperation.