Thailand In Pole Position On Burma

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GUEST COLUMN

Thailand in pole position on Burma

Alexander Mohr

Brussels

BRUSSELS: -- The recent developments in Burma are increasingly being followed by the international community.

On January 23 the European national foreign ministers met in Brussels to discuss the latest events and developments in Burma, including the release recently of a significant number of political prisoners. As a result of the meeting, the European Union's visa ban on Burma's president, vice-presidents, cabinet members and parliamentary speakers was suspended.

"The Council welcomes the remarkable programme of political reform undertaken by the government and parliament in Burma, together with its commitment to economic and social development," the Council said in a statement. "These changes are opening up important new prospects for developing the relationship between the European Union and Burma."

Since 2011 the developments in Burma have been extraordinary. Some of the key political prisoners have been released from prison. The opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) has been allowed to register for the next elections in April.

The reasons behind these apparently positive developments remain, for many, unclear. Some observers fear a return to authoritarian rule once the elections are held. Burma is still an authoritarian country and is far from any democratic legitimation. But if the current trend prevails, there is reason for hope that the people of Burma might have a brighter future.

Thailand is always in the middle of any discussion on how to deal with Burma as a member of Asean, and on the right way approach a country that is rich in natural resources and cultural heritage. Burma is indeed a country with huge economic potential.

Asean, as well as other major political bodies, is following the recent developments in Burma closely. The regional grouping hopes that through its recognition of the recent efforts, the regime in Burma will be encouraged to continue with its reform agenda.

In an extraordinary decision in November last year the Asean leaders noted the developments in Burma and rewarded the new leadership by electing Burma to become the Asean chair in 2014. United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made her first visit to Burma and met with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, also in November last year, and since then a number of foreign ministers have either visited Burma or now also want to meet the Burmese political leaders and the opposition icon, and also explore business opportunities.

These political developments are increasingly noticed in Europe. The European foreign ministers meeting in Brussels were so encouraged by the recent changes in Burma that they lifted the travel ban on senior officials of the Burmese regime. The hope is now that the military will relax its grip on the country's political and economic system.

But the real winner in these extraordinary developments is Thailand. Thailand has often been criticised for its soft diplomatic approach to Burma over the years. But Thailand is now in pole position to take advantage of the new developments in Burma. With a strong economy and as one of the heavyweights in the Asean community, Thailand can be a centre for all kinds of parties who have interests in the development of Burma. Thailand is in an interesting position in this process and can play a major role in actively supporting the pro-democracy developments.

The meeting between Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Aung San Suu Kyi in December shows that Burma attaches a great deal of importance to the role of Thailand. The Burmese regime has never allowed the leaders of other countries to hold such a meeting before. The visit, extraordinary from a diplomatic point of view, showed two things. First, that Thailand is supporting the developments in Burma and can play an important role in the future of the country and be a partner in the transformation process. Secondly, that Thailand will play a crucial role in the future economic development of Burma and the region. Thailand is one of Burma's most important trade partners and is in the leading position for making investments in Burma and acting as a hub for regional trade.

The European Union should not look into these developments in Burma as isolated cases, but should also take the effects at the regional level into account. Only then will the developments in Burma be seen as sustainable, both economically and politically.

Thailand should actively pursue a role as mediator and reliable partner in this process. It can only be a win-win situation for all sides.

Alexander Mohr is partner for international relations at the government relations firm Alber & Geiger in Brussels and was a lecturer in international relations at the Institute d'etudes Politiques de Paris.

-- The Nation 2012-01-31

[Microwave]

Let's hope that these democratic reforms in Burma/Myanmar continue. Of course Thailand will benefit, but it's the people of Burma/Myanmar who would (hopefully) benefit the most.

[FOODLOVER]

Nope, nothing in the Kama Sutra.

[noitom]

It's a race!! Thailand on the pole. One would think that this opinion was written by a Thai what with the self absorbed Thai view that a sea change may be taking place in Burma and that Thailand stands to benefit financially, if it plays its cards correctly. No mention of the breakthrough and potential effect on the freedom an lives of 50 million Burmese and its ramifications for peace and the livelihood of the Burmese people.

For decades, Thai purchases of Burmese natural gas has funded the military junta and its repressive governments. Burma's people have suffered freedom and loss of rights that Thailand has never spoken out on and chosen the path of patronizing and silence for its own selfish benefit. World leaders in Europe may be relaxing their position on extending visa privileges to the Burmese leaders, but they will not soon forget Thailand's inability to do and say the right thing for many years to facilitate and impact change in Burma. Thailand never even voiced a public disapproval of the imprisonment of Aung San Suu Kyi, not even lip service. Thailand's massive purchases of natural gas from Burma have served as a funding stream and cash flow which prolonged the military dictatorship and inhibited the people of Burma from self realization and freedom for many years.

We watch now as Thailand "gets on the bandwagon" and jockeys from the pole position in order to advance its effort to "get in on the cash flow" to and from Burma in the future. Every move that Thailand makes can always be measured by financial self interest and lack of character and interest when it comes to public service, public good, and the rights and freedoms of people.

[lovelaos]

Did I read that dreaded 'hub' word again.....

[noitom]

It's a race!! Thailand on the pole. One would think that this opinion was written by a Thai what with the self absorbed Thai view that a sea change may be taking place in Burma and that Thailand stands to benefit financially, if it plays its cards correctly. No mention of the breakthrough and potential effect on the freedom and lives of 50 million Burmese and its ramifications for peace and the livelihood of the Burmese people.

For decades, Thai purchases of Burmese natural gas has funded the military junta and its repressive governments. Burma's people have suffered freedom and loss of rights that Thailand has never spoken out on and chosen the path of patronizing and silence for its own selfish benefit. World leaders in Europe may be relaxing their position on extending visa privileges to the Burmese leaders, but they will not soon forget Thailand's inability to do and say the right thing for many years to facilitate and impact change in Burma. Thailand never even voiced a public disapproval of the imprisonment of Aung San Suu Kyi, not even lip service and now the Thai press disgracefully features her in the headline photograph. Thailand's massive purchases of natural gas from Burma have served as a funding stream and cash flow which prolonged the military dictatorship and inhibited the people of Burma from self realization and freedom for many years.

We watch now as Thailand "gets on the bandwagon" and jockeys from the pole position in order to advance its effort to "get in on the cash flow" to and from Burma in the future. Mr. Mohr points out , that "the winner is Thailand," in a shameful opinion piece that seems to be oblivious to the fact that the "winner" would be the people of Burma, if in fact real change occurs. Every move that Thailand makes can always be measured by financial self interest and lack of character and interest when it comes to public service, public good, and the rights and freedoms of people. We'll follow how Mr. Mohr sees this in the future.

[chainarong]

Probably up the pole, they will stuff it up as usual, mortars dropping in on the border villagers back yards, another miss-understanding.

[E1717007]

LOL! Pole position is diminishing!

wonder why they look to singapore and not thailand to modernized their economy?

http://online.wsj.co...LEFTTopWhatNews

[BigJohnnyBKK]

It's a race!! Thailand on the pole. One would think that this opinion was written by a Thai what with the self absorbed Thai view that a sea change may be taking place in Burma and that Thailand stands to benefit financially, if it plays its cards correctly.

<snip>

We watch now as Thailand "gets on the bandwagon" and jockeys from the pole position in order to advance its effort to "get in on the cash flow" to and from Burma in the future. Every move that Thailand makes can always be measured by financial self interest and lack of character and interest when it comes to public service, public good, and the rights and freedoms of people.

Absolutely true, and so what? Same is true for 99% of all countries' foreign policies. Idealism and high-horse morality has little place in diplomacy and usually is a obviously hypocrisy, particularly in the case of wartime Amerika.

This is Thailand, and people here largely don't care if another government is a bunch of murdering thugs - they don't even have much to say when their own government takes that form now and again.

But the fact that the policemen of the world will start "allowing" freer trade with Burma now will be important, and the fact that they have been playing realpolitik all along will now accrue to their benefit.

Way to go Thailand, positive all 'round.

[sparebox2]

Nice legs.

[exeter]

Burma looks to be a rising star at last, lets hope the people there benefit from the changes. Thailand will have to sit up and take notice or they could be overtaken in the region.

[anterian]

Who is the chubby guy in the background, her minder?

[TackyToo]

Pole position? What a joke! Unless, Mr. Mohr is talking about positions of chrome pole molester.

With the help of the EU and the UK, Myanmar intends to implement a legal system that protects investor’s rights and money. Far away from the 49:51 B.S. foreign investors will be allowed to “own” property!

Thailand’s centuries old animosities towards Burmese people will not be forgotten overnight! Does anyone believe that makes Thai the favorite partner to share a rice bowl with?

The country’s selfish protectionism and anti farrang attitude and last not least a society obeying corruption and “influential people” more than law, will make Thailand the hub of bystanders while Myanmar is on the rise!

Countries like South Korea and Singapore bypassed the Thai economic and social development since WWII even without any natural resources. Meanwhile greedy and incompetent Thai politicians were busy to try out 23 Prime Ministers in 48 cabinets and 15 constitutions!

In South Korea and Singapore you will find reliable English speaking business partners, an educated workforce, education systems and a far more accountable justice system there. And even war torn Vietnam is on the way to overtake Thailand. Myanmar is just the newest competitor in a race in which Thailand overheard the starting shot.

And by the way- neither the US the UK the EU or Australia will have to go out begging for money from Japanese banks to develop industrial sites and infrastructure in Myanmar!

Stop dreaming Thailand! Mai ru and mai pen rai won’t work in the AEC and definitely not in Myanmar!

[folium]

Who is the chubby guy in the background, her minder?

that will be Yingluck's translator so she can keep up with the fluent English spoken by Aung San Suu Kyi.

[witsawakorn]

It's a race!! Thailand on the pole. One would think that this opinion was written by a Thai what with the self absorbed Thai view that a sea change may be taking place in Burma and that Thailand stands to benefit financially, if it plays its cards correctly. No mention of the breakthrough and potential effect on the freedom an lives of 50 million Burmese and its ramifications for peace and the livelihood of the Burmese people.

For decades, Thai purchases of Burmese natural gas has funded the military junta and its repressive governments. Burma's people have suffered freedom and loss of rights that Thailand has never spoken out on and chosen the path of patronizing and silence for its own selfish benefit. World leaders in Europe may be relaxing their position on extending visa privileges to the Burmese leaders, but they will not soon forget Thailand's inability to do and say the right thing for many years to facilitate and impact change in Burma. Thailand never even voiced a public disapproval of the imprisonment of Aung San Suu Kyi, not even lip service. Thailand's massive purchases of natural gas from Burma have served as a funding stream and cash flow which prolonged the military dictatorship and inhibited the people of Burma from self realization and freedom for many years.

We watch now as Thailand "gets on the bandwagon" and jockeys from the pole position in order to advance its effort to "get in on the cash flow" to and from Burma in the future. Every move that Thailand makes can always be measured by financial self interest and lack of character and interest when it comes to public service, public good, and the rights and freedoms of people.

I heard Thailand has already lost any "race". According to an old Burmese friend of mine China has won and Chinese companies are running around the place buying up every project and concession that they can get their hands on. He also believes that in a bizarre twist this Chinese influx is fuelling the softening of the hard liners in Burma because they see that in the long term it won't be to their advantage to "get into bed" with the Chinese only since Chinese projects tend to benefit Chinese workers ( even labourers being imported from China and not going home at the end of the project) and companies only. He contends that the concessions to some Western demands are an attempt not to get totally alienated by the West so they still have the option of being friends in future. And by the way if you want to get on your high horse about Thailand continuing to do business with Burma against the West's policies don't forget that the gas pipeline between Burma and Thailand was built by an Ameican company Unocal making a complete mockery of the whole sanctions issue. US hypocrasy leads the way again. Anyway why should Thailand blindly comply with the wishes of other countries especially with examples like Unocal?

[witsawakorn]

LOL! Pole position is diminishing!

wonder why they look to singapore and not thailand to modernized their economy?

http://online.wsj.co...LEFTTopWhatNews

I thought you aren't allowed to link to BKK post articles!!! If you look in a few months time I bet you see that "cancelled" project start again under a Chinese company.The News article was crap anyway. I'll believe it more when a named official makes the announcement

[EyesWideOpen]

Hmmm. I wonder if Burma will be able to forget Thailand's long term ill treatment and drowning of Burmese refugees.

[12DrinkMore]

We watch now as Thailand "gets on the bandwagon" and jockeys from the pole position in order to advance its effort to "get in on the cash flow" to and from Burma in the future. Every move that Thailand makes can always be measured by financial self interest and lack of character and interest when it comes to public service, public good, and the rights and freedoms of people.

I don't know why you aimed that tirade at Thailand.

It also applies to every government and financial institution in the world.

[xthAi76s]

Nice legs.

You're talking about ASSK, right? Puu's legs are actually kind of fat.

[ratcatcher]

Nice legs.

You're talking about ASSK, right? Puu's legs are actually kind of fat.

Actually, you're right, just a tad. Comes with the good life, coventions, buffets etc. Plus the gene pool, (Yaowapa e.g?)

Chances are you'll never see The Lady's legs as she's steeped in Burmese tradition.

Looks like the meeting took place in the Thai consulate in Rangoon rather than ASSK's lakeside house..

[Payboy]

Who is the chubby guy in the background, her minder?

that will be Yingluck's translator so she can keep up with the fluent English spoken by Aung San Suu Kyi.

Phew, I thought Johnny Yettaw had snuck in again.

[metisdead]

A post containing a link to Bangkok Post as well as quoted content has been edited:

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[EyesWideOpen]

LOL! Pole position is diminishing!

wonder why they look to singapore and not thailand to modernized their economy?

http://online.wsj.co...LEFTTopWhatNews

Pretty damned clever of the Burmese to ask Singapore to assist them in developing. Clearly they are off to a good start by getting advice from the least corrupt country on planet Earth, and an economic dynamo. They just need to avoid the fate of Laos, which has been swallowed by China.

[IsaanUSA]

What does this have to do with Thailand? EU and USA want to work with Myanmar for development and trade. I don't understand how Thailand hopes there will be some benefit to them. Perhaps Thailand will be able to sell more fuel at the BKK airport for the people who have a connecting flight through Bangkok, otherwise it sounds like this will hurt Thailand.

I thought any foreign business in Myanmar had to partner with the junta anyways?

[Reasonableman]

It"s clearly a go-go bar allusion

Nope, nothing in the Kama Sutra.