Bkk Post -Surin wins release of Tha

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Subject: Bkk Post -Surin wins release of Thais being held for illegal entry

Bangkok Post - Aug 27, 1999.
BURMA
Surin wins release of Thais being held for illegal entry
Bhanravee Tansubhapol

Burma has agreed to the unconditional release of all Thais detained in the
country, following a request by Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan.

The decision will mean freedom for 53 Thais, detained mainly on illegal
entry and fishing charges, the Thai embassy in Rangoon said.

Nyunt Maung Shein, director-general of Burma's political department,
informed Thai ambassador Pensak Chalarak of the decision yesterday.

Mr Surin welcomed it as a sign of "growth and new direction in inter-Asean
relations", a foreign ministry spokesman said. The minister approached all
Asean members to consider an amnesty for Thai prisoners to mark His Majesty
the King's 72nd birthday. Thailand also hopes to conclude agreements on
prisoner transfers with other Asean states.

In Thailand, Burmese make up the largest group of prisoners from Southeast
Asian countries.