Consultation on Burma ethnic issue held in Bangkok

Consultation on Burma ethnic issue held in Bangkok

Shan sources from Bangkok reported that a consultation on non-Burman issues in relation to Thailand's border security was convened at one of the nation's prestigious universities. 

"Consultation on Minorities: Their struggle and Security along Thai-Burma border" was held at the Prachadhipok Building, Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University from 1330-1700. 

The meeting was opened by Kraisak Choonhavan, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Thais of ethnic descendents from Burma: Chaiya Khongchuen (Shan), Pisanh Pladsingh (Mon), Wutthi Boonlert (Karen) and several others participated in the discussions. 

Two of the other well-known discussants were Ms. Priyanut Parnpradap, former Miss Thailand and film producer, and 'Sam' Kalyanee from Images Asia.

Commenting on it, Chaiya said: "Shan and other ethnic peoples have been forced by the Burmese military either to flee into Thailand or take up arms against them. Problems like drugs and alien labor are just offshoots that can be resolved only when the root cause of illegitimate rule by the Burmese military is ended". 

On Thailand's security along the western border, he said: "Shans have never been a security problem. On the contrary, they had even enhanced Thai security as buffers against communism during the Cold War. It was only after its end and the introduction of 'business over politics' policies that Thailand's troubles started. So I hope the present administration will reconsider its position". 

The consultation was organized by The Institute for Asia Studies, Thai Action Committee for Democracy in Burma, Forum-Asia and Catholic Committee for Racial Groups.