Thailand Tightens Burma Border Security

[george]

Turmoil brings tightened security on Thai-Myanmar border

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's army has heightened security along its border with Myanmar in order to prevent an expected influx of refugees following the ongoing anti-junta protests in Yangon and other cities, army commander-in-chief Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratkalin said Saturday.

Gen. Sonthi, also chairman of the National Security Council (CNS), said the tightened security was also to prevent the smuggling of narcotics that would likely intensify while Myanmar is in a time of crisis.

"Minority groups living along Thai-Myanmar border might take this opportunity to smuggle drugs and other contraband items into Thailand", said the general.

The CNS chairman said the situation in Myanmar had not directly made any negative impact on Thailand. However, he said, the army was closely monitoring the situation and always prepared to evacuate Thai nationals from Myanmar if necessary.

Gen. Sonthi declined to comment on the interim government's stance regarding joining with other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in movements against the Myanmar military rule's crackdown on the protesters.

-- TNA 2007-09-29

[londonthai]

wrong timing - it's a signal for the burmese junta 'we don't care what you do to the people'. Some other countries would rather open their borders for humanitarian reasons.

[thaigene2]

Turmoil brings tightened security on Thai-Myanmar border

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's army has heightened security along its border with Myanmar in order to prevent an expected influx of refugees following the ongoing anti-junta protests in Yangon and other cities, army commander-in-chief Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratkalin said Saturday.

Gen. Sonthi, also chairman of the National Security Council (CNS), said the tightened security was also to prevent the smuggling of narcotics that would likely intensify while Myanmar is in a time of crisis.

"Minority groups living along Thai-Myanmar border might take this opportunity to smuggle drugs and other contraband items into Thailand", said the general.

-- TNA 2007-09-29

Isn't that a contradiction of Surayud's comments in the newspaper that Thailand had to help the people who would flow across?

Gee - be careful of those 'minority groups' Herr General. Before you know it, they'll have their own language and lanters hanging outside their shops on the sois and adopt really long surnames - with 27 letters - and call themselves "Thai"!

Before you know it they'll be opening 7/11's on every corner. And then they will encourage the continuation of protests against british and french hypermarkets! Why, I'll bet that those abusive Thai employers in Mai Sot may even get scared themselves? My GOD!!

These dirty migrants think they have POWER now. Where will it end?? Where is our OWN Thai army to protect us from these people and protect our profits??...they will think they can get minimum wage!! Where will it end?? Help!!

Edited September 29, 2007 by thaigene2

[wileycoyote]

I agree with londonthai,wrong message,wrong time.

Wiley Coyote

[ColPyat]

wrong timing - it's a signal for the burmese junta 'we don't care what you do to the people'. Some other countries would rather open their borders for humanitarian reasons.

That why Generals shouldn't open their gob in public, and just do what they are ordered to.

The problem is though, that the problems in Burma mean that the border areas will be given less attention, which means that the minorities have an opportunity to win some ground, in many ways. And that does put huge pressure on Thailand. Many areas at the borders are warlord land, and there is trouble to come.

[BossHogg]

wrong timing - it's a signal for the burmese junta 'we don't care what you do to the people'. Some other countries would rather open their borders for humanitarian reasons.

....agreed , i was so hoping Thailand would open some borders and offer some escape to people who really do need it.Thailand would have gained so much face in the international community at a time when they are losing it.An opportunity missed to save face and do some good.....what a shame and so short sighted..... cant say im surprised though

[Felt 35]

wrong timing - it's a signal for the burmese junta 'we don't care what you do to the people'. Some other countries would rather open their borders for humanitarian reasons.

Absolutely agree.

Unfortunately that it have to be so, but I do believe the Burmese already know that the difference between a General and their actions here and there is not that great.

In fact do I believe that the Burmese people know very well that if they really shall get some humanitarian sympathy and help they have to run quite far from this region of the world.

As someone already have said. China is the only country that can intervene in this situation, but anyone knowing the humanity there know how far they will reach their hands.

[Rajah]

it's a signal for the burmese junta 'we don't care what you do to the people'.

He's a general and the Burmese junta are generals as well. Guess, they understand each other and know how to treat people with different opinions.

[toybits]

Ha ha... See the logic here.... Tightening or CLOSING border crossing OPENS other opportunities...

[Big A]

'Some other countries would rather open their borders for humanitarian reasons'.

Oh! How soon we forget the Pol Pot regime. How the Cambodian refugees, who didn't make it to the camps, were beaten, shot and repatriated to their charnel house through mine fields by Thai soldiers.

We're alright Jack. Pull the ladder up and sod the rest of 'em!!

Edited October 1, 2007 by Big A

[brahmburgers]

satelite photos prove village destruction within Burma:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/...70928135616.htm

before and after pics from high-resolution photos.

Where are the displaced villagers? ....if they're even alive, who knows?

[svenivan]

"Minority groups living along Thai-Myanmar border might take this opportunity to smuggle drugs"

I wonder how many minority groups that got rich between 1950 to 2000 smuggling drugs through Thailand?

How many generals i the Thai Army and in the Thai Police are from the minority groups?

Just wondering...

[ColPyat]

I wonder how many minority groups that got rich between 1950 to 2000 smuggling drugs through Thailand?

Just wondering...

Read up on the fascinating history of the golden triangle.

[Burr]

I think this is right!

The streets are back to normal, army every were.

From a Philippines newspaper:

10/03/2007

Bangkok — While much of the world has poured scorn on Myanmar for its violent crackdown on pro-democracy groups, Thailand has done little to rock relations with its neighbor and economic partner.

Other countries have isolated Myanmar, but Thailand has long maintained diplomatic, defense and trade ties, both under civilian governments and under the military leaders who took power in Thailand one year ago.

Thailand’s Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin — speaking on television shortly before he quit as junta chief this week — said he felt Myanmar’s military rulers knew best how to handle their internal affairs.

“Other countries thought Thailand’s coup was unnecessary, but we know better what was happening here,” Sonthi said. “We should respect the right of the government of each country to rule their own nation.”

[kat]

wrong timing - it's a signal for the burmese junta 'we don't care what you do to the people'. Some other countries would rather open their borders for humanitarian reasons.

I agree with londonthai,wrong message,wrong time.

Wiley Coyote

Nope, not the wrong message. Thailand is mostly concerned with what the Burmese generals think, so the message is geared towards them. There's a long and prosperous relationship there originating even before the telecommunications and fat satellite deals of Thaksin, to previous military reigns.

satelite photos prove village destruction within Burma:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/...70928135616.htm

before and after pics from high-resolution photos.

Where are the displaced villagers? ....if they're even alive, who knows?

Before this onslaught, ethnic villagers have been systematically and brutally removed to relocation sites, in the middle of nowhere, left to starve. Their land is then confiscated and used as military outposts, until they can be sold to Chinese and other buyers with fradulent land papers issued by the SPDC township offices. Many former middle-class Burmans have been treated like this in Rangoon, as well.

When the ethnic villagers flee and can not get to the border,which in this case many will not be able to cross without extreme danger, they hide deep in the mountains and jungle and eat grass and roots. It is dry season, so the onslaught will be long and unwavering, but at least the internally displaced will be dry and can forge rivers. Some humanitarian groups are able to go in with Karen dissidents and find them in the jungle to take rice and medicine, but right now it is probably too volatile and so they are on their own. Both Burmese and Thai military have sealed the borders, and there is news coming out of some ethic groups in Eastern Burma with Thai telephones. Recently, I have heard that the Burmese military went deep into the forest and slaughtered about 200 Mon monks.

We need pressure on everyone, but especially China, India, AND Thailand. These people have no fear of anyone, and do not care if the world is watching, this has all happened many times before.

Pray. Pray for Burma folks. And in good time, if you know someone that can get money in, send it, because they are literally starving and being beaten and shot to death.

*If you want to help, contact the Thai Burmese Border Consortium in Bangkok and ask them how you can help. They are an excellent organization with a lot of experience in assisting Burmese refugees. If you'd like to know more, please contact me via PM.

** These guys also do great work, and can probably get money in: http://www.rehmonnya.org/index.php (Human Rights Foundation of Monland).

Edited October 3, 2007 by kat

[Jai Dee]

KRC admits Thai businesses in Myanmar could be affected from political tension

Kasikorn Research Center (KRC) concedes that the ongoing political riot in Myanmar might affect Thai businesses operating there, especially the tourism and manufacturing industries as well as the fishery sector, while trading around the border areas would not have adverse impact if the country did not close its border checkpoints.

The leading Thai pollster indicated that the number of tourists traveling in Myanmar might drastically drop if the situation does not improved, while manufacturers could be seriously affected if their trading partners impose sanctions against Burmese export commodities.

Many others businesses believed to be have been threatened by the chronic political uncertainty in Myanmar include sugar, electrical transformer, processed wood, fisheries, mining, transportation, construction and excavation for natural gas.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 October 2007

[Mosha]

I imagine this is the state of play along all the border provinces. The Burmese down here in Ranong are having to wear large ID tags with photo around their necks.

Edited October 3, 2007 by Mosha

[Robski]

Saying that people trying to flee Burma may also take the opportunity to smuggle drugs is just an excuse to demonise the Burmese people further.

Despicable really, but then demonising burmese nationals is nothing new in Thai society.

As for giving out the wrong signals, like so many policies by the Thai govenment, why is this misconstrued by as a mistake by them?

They do know what they are doing, but because we don't agree with it they must be ignorant to the effect of their policy.

Thailands rulers don't want Thais to see people power having a positive result, they've only just managed to keep the lid on their own internal dissafection.

Edited October 3, 2007 by Robski

[Jai Dee]

Persistent violence in Myanmar to affect Thai business: KRC

Violence in Myanmar caused by the military government's crackdown on mass street protests by monks and the people, if persistent, will have an impact on businesses owned by many groups of Thai investors in the country, according to the Kasikorn Research Centre.

The leading think tank reported should the unrest drag on, and escalate, it would affect Thai businesses investing in tourism in Myanmar since foreign tourists would reduce their travel into the country.

At the same time, Thai businesses investing in production for export in Myanmar might be affected by additional international sanctions.

At present, Thai businesspersons have invested in various areas including production, hotels and tourism, fishery, mining, transportation, oil and natural gas drilling, construction, property, and agriculture.

The KRC forecast indicated that should the violence persist, Myanmar would face more economic sanctions from the international community, particularly the United States, the European Union and Japan.

It said investment made by Thai investors in hotel and tourism businesses in Myanmar totaled US$228.6 million. Investment projects Thai businesspersons made in the production industry in Myanmar are worth $614.6 million, the fisheries industry $171 million and agriculture the smallest at $2.7 million.

Power generating projects invested by Thailand in Myanmar worth $6.03 billion baht involve construction of hydro-power dams along the Salween River, which is expected to take six years to complete.

The project value, combined with that of other investment projects, brought up the total investment value Thailand has in Myanmar to $7.38 billion.

It resulted in Thailand becoming the biggest investor in Myanmar with Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia coming second, third and fourth respectively.

Regarding the border trade with Myanmar, KRC believed trade activities along the border of the two countries would be sluggish only in the short run unless the violence escalated to such an extent that the border is closed.

Source: TNA - 03 October 2007

[Robski]

I think when you put these in order of monetary worth you will see who has the greatest interest in a stable Burma, wether that is democratic or not.

At present, Thai businesspersons have invested in various areas including production, hotels and tourism, fishery, mining, transportation, oil and natural gas drilling, construction, property, and agriculture.

Edited October 3, 2007 by Robski

[toptuan]

Given the warm, chummy relationship between the two juntas (frequent visits over the last year, including one just a week before the Thailand coup)... my take on it, is that the Thai Generals probably made this move at the express request of the Burmese Generals; making it easier for the latter to continue to hunt down, like mongrel dogs, all opposition before it escapes the country and then eliminate them. "You shine my medals, I shine your medals" sort of favor.

[Losangels]

Despicable really, but then demonising burmese nationals is nothing new in Thai society.

This belief is futher reinforced through history lessons that are taught (brain washed) to Thai children.

Many Thais are still bitter about the past when the Burmese conquered Siam during the Ayuthaya period.

The entertaining industry is also as guilty in portraying the Burmese as inferior beingsB)

[ratcatcher]

From The Nation Newspaper 03/10/08

ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST

Ailing Burmese Prime Minister dies

Burma's ailing Prime Minister Lt Gen Soe Win has died at the military hospital in Mingalardon, Rangoon on Tuesday, sources said.

Ailing Burmese Prime Minister dies

Soe Win, who returned to Burma on Monday from a secret medical treatment in Singapore, died at about 5:00 p.m (local time), Mizzima News online quoted sources as saying.

The Burmese Prime Minister is known to have been suffering from Leukemia and had secretly received medical treatment in Singapore.

Soe Win, who is a Senior General Than Shwe loyalist, is also known as "the Butcher of Depayin" for orchestrating the Depayin massacre in 2003 by ordering mobs to attack on pro-democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's motorcade.

Sources said Soe Win will be replaced by Lt-Gen Thein Sein and Tin Aung Myint Oo will be promoted to Thein Sein's position as Secretary-I.

May he rot in hel_l!!

THERE ARE PLENTY OF WAYS YOU CAN HURT A MAN

AND BRING HIM TO THE GROUND

YOU CAN BEAT HIM

YOU CAN CHEAT HIM

YOU CAN TREAT HIM BAD AND LEAVE HIM

WHEN HE´S DOWN

BUT I´M READY, YES I´M READY FOR YOU

I´M STANDING ON MY OWN TWO FEET

OUT OF THE DOORWAY THE BULLETS RIP

REPEATING TO THE SOUND OF THE BEAT

ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST

ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST

ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST

ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST

Apologies to Freddy & Queen

[Jai Dee]

UN Envoy reports situation in Myanmar to Thai Foreign Affairs Minister

The United Nations Special Envoy Ibrahim Bambari reports the situation in Myanmar to Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Minister Nitya Pibulsonggram (นิตย์ พิบูลย์สงคราม), promising that the world peace-building body will bring about peace to Myanmar and push for talks between the ruling junta and the protestors.

Mr Gambari has met with the foreign affairs minister this morning at the UN Headquarters in New York to report on the political turmoil in Myanmar and his meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi and Myanmar’s high-ranking officials.

The minister says the special envoy’s meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi is considered as a good start and the Thai Government will support UN’s mission to resolve the conflict in Myanmar.

Mr Nitya reveals that today (October, 5th) the UN Security Council will discuss the situation in Myanmar and the special envoy will inform the council of his trip to the country. The minister says Thailand pays attention to the unrest in Myanmar and hopes that the Security Council will reach concrete resolutions on the matter.

Mr Gambari probably travels to Myanmar again this month. The minister adds that the special envoy has thanked Thailand for facilitating him in his trip there.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 October 2007

[Jai Dee]

MFA Spokesperson believes UN envoy’s visit to Myanmar create reconciliation awareness among the country’s rulers

The Director-General of the Department of Information and Foreign Affairs Ministry Spokesman, Mr. Tharit Charungwat (ธฤต จรุงวัฒน์), believes the United Nations (UN) envoy’s visit to Myanmar create reconciliation awareness among the country’s military rulers

Mr. Tharit indicates that the official extensive visit of UN envoy Ibrahim Gambari to Myanmar would allow the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) Chairman, Senior General Than Shwe, and pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi to be aware of the importance of the dialogue for the sake of harmony in their country.

Mr. Tharit says the current situation in Myanmar is returning to normal while about 500 Thai nationals in the country are not worried about the matter, and they are not seeking to return to Thailand yet.

Mr. Tharit comments that there are no indicative signs of Burmese immigrants, saying the National Security Council and the 3rd Army Area are monitoring them closely. He concludes that the interim government holds on a firm stance in supporting the UN’s resolution to eliminate conflicts through reconciliation.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 October 2007

[Jai Dee]

PTT to sign Myanmar gas deal despite political uprising

Thailand's state-controlled oil and gas conglomerate PTT Public Company Limited discloses it expects to ink a gas purchase pact with junta-ruled Myanmar within this year, even the internal problems seems prolongs.

PTT reveals that it expects to buy 300 to 400 million cubic feet per day as earlier planned from the military-ruled Myanmar, which shocked the world last week by cracking down the biggest anti-government protests in nearly 20 years.

However, the gas conglomerate said it has trimmed down their investment budget by 5 billion baht as approval for the establishment of the 6th natural gas separation plant has been delayed.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 07 October 2007

[vegan]

hello

does anyone have info about any future demonstrations to be held in bangkok against the burmese government?

i haven't found any with a short google serach

thank you

[Mid]

Thailand in bed with the devil?

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/sto...ernational/home

that's worth it's own thread

at the least , surely a mention in here ?

This heavy-handed assault on Myanmar activists was launched not in Myanmar itself, but just across the border, in Thailand.

from the above quoted article

[Mid]

A chronic emergency: on the Burma-Thailand border

Robert Semeniuk

10 - 10 - 2007

In face of malaria, malnutrition and repression, a remarkable health project is saving the lives of Burmese on both sides of the border with Thailand. The photojournalist Robert Semeniuk reports on a crisis where disease and denial of human rights interlock.

snip

opendemocracy.net