Burma watchers say Win Aung trip fu

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Subject: Burma watchers say Win Aung trip futile 

February 20, 1999  
THAI-BURMESE RELATIONS


Burma watchers say Win Aung trip futile
Bid to end stand-off in the Andaman Sea



Burma's anti-Rangoon government in exile and its allies yesterday saw few
prospects for warmer Thai-Burmese relations to emerge from the visit of
Burmese
Foreign Minister Win Aung.

U Thein Oo, a member of the National Coalition Government of the Union of
Burma, said he foresees no benefits for Thailand from the visit, unless the
military regime in Rangoon allows popular participation in the
determination of
political and economic policies.

"If U Win Aung does not announce an immediate transition to democracy, what
could he realistically do that would benefit Thailand?" said U Thein Oo,
speaking for the government-in-exile.

"Sadly, I am not optimistic that this regime is capable of doing any of these
things ... ," he added.

Mr Win Aung flew into Bangkok last night from Jakarta for his first visit amid
strained ties due to a standoff at sea off the Ranong coast between the two
countries' navies. He was scheduled to meet Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai
shortly after arrival and will visit the disputed area in the Andaman Sea with
Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan today.

Mr Thein Oo urged the Thai minister to point out to his counterpart that it is
possible for a country to transfer power from the military to civilians and to
improve the people's standard of living.

Mr Win Aung replaced the veteran U Ohn Gyaw in a mini-reshuffle last November
by the ruling State Peace and Development Council.

But that may not mean much unless he can prove something on this trip, said
Debbie Stothard from Alternative Asean Burma, a non-governmental organisation
strongly promoting democracy in Burma.

"We are interested in what song he will sing for us when he's here because for
too many years the people in Thailand, the people in Asean and even the people
in the Burmese movement have been hearing the same old song from many
different
singers," she said.

Withaya Sucharithanarugse, director of the Institute of Asian Studies, does
not

expect the visit to have any concrete outcome but said it is nevertheless an
indication that the two countries are in contact and are trying to end the
conflict in Ranong.

Thai relations with Burma are unequal because Bangkok conducts a defensive
policy and enjoys no leverage as both military chiefs and diplomats are
involved in fostering ties, he said.

Pornpimol Trichote, a Burma analyst at the institute, pointed out that the
decision by the Burmese minister to inspect the controversial area is
unprecedented and indicates Rangoon's willingness to sort out bilateral
problems.

"Burma normally directs its embassy to handle conflicts with Thailand instead
of letting ministers do it," she said.
   
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Last Modified: Sat, Feb 20, 1999
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