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BKK Post (12-10-99) Thai business n



Subject: BKK Post (12-10-99) Thai business now hostage

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<font size=5><b>Thai business now hostage<br>
</font></b><font face="Times New Roman, Times" size=3>G</font>overnment
leaders should know what lies behind Burma's official letter thanking
Thailand for ending the hostage crisis at its embassy. As the letter was
reaching Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai, Rangoon closed its border with
Thailand and suspended the fishing rights of Thai companies.<br>
Thai government leaders immediately expressed surprise at the two-faced
response. But the message was clear: Rangoon was unhappy with the way the
hostage-takers were treated by Thai authorities. They believe we took
sides with the Burmese dissidents who stormed the embassy, but what does
Burma expect to gain from this?<br>
Rangoon apparently hopes that Thai businessmen hurt by the border closure
will blame Burmese students, and that Thailand will from now on turn a
blind eye to human rights issues in its dealings with Burma.<br>
That is unfair to Thailand. Burma should realise that it is the root of
the problem. The Burmese military junta came to power through
illegitimate means. It refused to recognise the opposition's election
victory and then brutally crushed students and anyone else who opposed
its rule. These students escaped to Thailand, which had no choice but to
take care of them for humanitarian reasons.<br>
Thailand is in this predicament because of the Burmese military junta's
own actions.<br>
Rangoon's two-faced policy will backfire in the long run. Thailand and
other Asean members were criticised by Western countries when they
admitted Burma into the regional grouping. Now, Thai traders are being
punished by Rangoon because Thai authorities tried to end the hostage
crisis without resorting to violence.<br>
Dissatisfaction understandably is growing among the Thai people.<br>
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