Burmese Capital Relocation Subject Of Seminar In Bangkok

[Jai Dee]

Pyinmana Subject of Seminar in Bangkok

A seminar was convened yesterday in Bangkok, at which Thai scholars and Burma observers met to discuss the implications of the Burmese military government’s recent relocation of the country’s capital to Pyinmana.

The Burmese government began relocating government ministries from Rangoon to Pyinmana, some 320 km north, in early November 2005. The move has drawn widespread criticism from the international community and Burma’s regional neighbors.

Yesterday’s seminar was organized by the Asian Institute at Bangkok’s Chulalongkorn University and aimed to provide general information about the relocation, to offer opinions by regional scholars and consider what, if any, impact these developments might have for Thailand and its future relations with Burma.

“Thailand may have more limitations accessing information about the [burmese] government because of the Pyinmana move, particularly because of its hidden location,” said Sunait Chutintaranond, a historian from Chulalongkorn University’s Southeast Asian Studies Centre, and the main speaker at the seminar. “Besides this, the Thai government should prepare a military strategy to be ready for any future emergency.”

Burma’s new capital at Pyinmana is geographically closer to Thailand than Rangoon—just 210 km (130 miles) from the border with Thailand’s Mae Hong Son province.

“Burma has changed their base of government, so strategies relating to ongoing conflicts in the country must change too,” said Sunait. “Thailand should be prepared for any impact resulting from a resumption of fighting between the Burmese army and armed ethnic insurgency groups.”

He added: “I think Burma is not dangerous for us [Thailand]. The problems we have had with Burma have stemmed from clashes between the government and its insurgent groups, which have had a huge impact on Thailand.” There are currently some 120,000 Burmese refugees living along the Thailand-Burma border.

Sunait disagreed with those who fear that the US may decide to intervene in Burma, as North Korea seems to be the principal focus of the current administration.

Pornpimol Trichot of the Asian Institute, and moderator of the seminar, told The Irrawaddy that the even generated considerable interest among media and academic institutions, and included about 80 participants.

Source: The Irrawaddy Online - February 17, 2006

[Laulen]

For an alternative view on Burma visit ]Burma & Aung San Sui Kyi

Laulen

Edited February 20, 2006 by Laulen

[Kerryd]

For an alternative view on Burma visit ]Burma & Aung San Sui Kyi

Laulen

It was (is) rumoured that they moved the capital because they feared an invasion from Thai/US forces. What a joke.

The new capital is closer to Thailand than ever.

If there ever was an invasion, moving your capital 300 kms away isn't going to affect a cruise missile strike, or a B-2 bomber raid, or an airborne assualt.

Not to mention, but isn't the north-western part of Burma where the Wa and Shan "armies" are most active ? Kind of like sticking your head in the crocodiles mouth isn't it ?

[mittheimp]

For an alternative view on Burma visit ]Burma & Aung San Sui Kyi

Laulen

link not work!

[cclub75]

He added: “I think Burma is not dangerous for us [Thailand]. The problems we have had with Burma have stemmed from clashes between the government and its insurgent groups, which have had a huge impact on Thailand.” There are currently some 120,000 Burmese refugees living along the Thailand-Burma border.

I love the ingenuity of the Thai scholars...

Or should I say : stupidity ? cynism ?

Burma is not dangerous for Thailand.

Burma is only dangerous for its own people.

Ah ! I will sleep better tonight.

Instead of blablating about the relocation of the capital, they should voice a strong opposition to the paranoids bunch of generals under amphetamins who are runing this poor country.

Burma is a shame, a big bubbon right onton the nose of South East Asia.

But nooooooooo... it's too much asked from our dear Thai scholars. Dja yen yen.