Bkk Post-Burma blames economic woes

[tinkyi@xxxxxxx]

Bangkok Post - April 23 '99
Burma blames economic woes
Political pressure not top reason-official

Bhanravee Tansubhapol and Nussara Sawatsawang

Political repression is not the reason Burmese people are flocking to
Thailand in search of shelter and to work illegally, a senior member of the
Rangoon military government argued yesterday.

Deputy Foreign Minister Khin Maung Win said economic problems, not political
pressure, had sent most Burmese workers to Thailand, where they labour
mainly in the industrial and construction sectors without any documentation.

The rest were "relatives" of ethnic minorities operating in border areas,
coming across the border for work, and women being trafficked illegally for
the flesh trade, he said.

"We cannot accept the statement saying the majority of Burmese workers are
coming to Thailand (due to) political pressure. The overwhelming majority is
because of economic pressure," Maung Win said.

His remarks, made at an international symposium on migration, followed
Thailand's expressions of concern.

Deputy Foreign Minister Sukhumbhand Paribatra admitted that Bangkok's
migration problems could not be solved without a political resolution in
neighbouring countries.

Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai yesterday called for an effective preventive
strategy by fostering "a conducive environment for peace, democracy, and
development" in the country of origin of the illegal migrants.

"An issue of even greater concern is the rise in criminal activities related
to illegal migration, particularly the trafficking of human beings, women
and children," Mr Chuan said in his opening address.

"We therefore have to minimise its negative aspect by promoting better
understanding of its root causes among the countries of origin, transit and
destination.

"Preventive actions must also be enhanced," the prime minister told the
symposium.

Francois Fouinat, director of the UN High Commission for Refugees Asia and
Pacific Bureau, said the risk of political turbulence stemming from regional
economic woes and social unrest could result in large-scale movements of
refugees and migrants.

It is unclear how many illegal workers are in Thailand.