BURMA TRIP IS ILL-ADVISED

Prime Minister Thaksin should reconsider his plan to visit Burma next week
Many say he should wait until Burma has apologised officially for recent
articles defaming the Thai monarchy.

The Thai-Burmese relationship is no longer characterised by long-standing
border disputes and minority groups operating along the border. Recent
disputes have centred on the influx of methamphetamines into Thailand.
Accusations have been traded over who is responsible for producing these drugs.

Relations between our countries deteriorated further when articles
considered defamatory to the Thai monarchy were published in the official
New Light of Myanmar A new Burmese textbook also describes the Thai people
as lazy.

The Foreign Ministry has sent protests to Rangoon in response to these
articles. The Burmese ambassador was called before Thai ministry officials.
But reactions from the Burmese government have so far been cool.

Mr Thaksin may disagree with those who advise him against going to Burma,
but at least he should think about the feelings of those Thais offended by
the defamatory articles. An official apology should be made by Rangoon
before Mr Thaksin pays his visit.

It is best to use diplomacy to foster friendship and mutual understanding
between neighbours. But it is also necessary to protect the Thai pride and
dignity.