Coping with the Thai-Burmese conflict
Thai-Burmese conflicts have been in the news for the past few years and many Thai government agencies dealing with issues such as foreign affairs and national security, have endeavored to resolve the conflicts, but often to no avail. While this lack of progress is often blamed on the Burmese government, but at the same time, Thailand is some times equally culpable.
Myanmar’s internal, tumultuous agenda
It is difficult to ignore Burma’s sizeable domestic troubles. About 16 minority groups, most of who live along the Thai-Burmese border, have declared their independence from Burma. Thailand is often caught in the middle between these groups and the Burmese government itself. In the past, Burma has accused Thailand of fostering anti-government sentiments within these groups, while Thailand has accused Burma of using the groups to smuggle illegal drugs into Thailand. On several occasions, these tit-for-tat altercations resulted in Burma postponing Township Border Committee meetings.
Most Thais believe that one of these 16 groups, the Wa, is primarily responsible for illegal drug smuggling operations in Thailand. This issue was addressed in a 1996 United Nations agreement between the Rangoon government and the Wa army. At that time, development projects were proposed to encourage the cultivation of alternate crops. However, these proposals were never fully implemented. One UN report stated that 75% of this ethnic group cannot harvest enough rice because of drought. At the same time, 96% of Wa stated they were willing to grow opium as a means of earning income, while no less than 95% claimed they would stop growing opium if better alternatives would be provided. These figures represent the changing and conflicting sentiments of this group.
Many of Burma’s current problems stem from its lack of democratic practice. This prevents minority peoples from participating in resolution of their nation’s problems. In addition, democracy will enhance national respects for international meeting protocol - such as attendance at Township Border Committee meetings without last minute cancellations.
Thai-Burmese conflicts have been in the news for the past few years and many Thai government agencies dealing with issues such as foreign affairs and national security, have endeavored to resolve the conflicts, but often to no avail. While this lack of progress is often blamed on the Burmese government, but at the same time, Thailand is some times equally culpable.
Myanmar’s internal, tumultuous agenda
It is difficult to ignore Burma’s sizeable domestic troubles. About 16 minority groups, most of who live along the Thai-Burmese border, have declared their independence from Burma. Thailand is often caught in the middle between these groups and the Burmese government itself. In the past, Burma has accused Thailand of fostering anti-government sentiments within these groups, while Thailand has accused Burma of using the groups to smuggle illegal drugs into Thailand. On several occasions, these tit-for-tat altercations resulted in Burma postponing Township Border Committee meetings.
Most Thais believe that one of these 16 groups, the Wa, is primarily responsible for illegal drug smuggling operations in Thailand. This issue was addressed in a 1996 United Nations agreement between the Rangoon government and the Wa army. At that time, development projects were proposed to encourage the cultivation of alternate crops. However, these proposals were never fully implemented. One UN report stated that 75% of this ethnic group cannot harvest enough rice because of drought. At the same time, 96% of Wa stated they were willing to grow opium as a means of earning income, while no less than 95% claimed they would stop growing opium if better alternatives would be provided. These figures represent the changing and conflicting sentiments of this group.
Many of Burma’s current problems stem from its lack of democratic practice. This prevents minority peoples from participating in resolution of their nation’s problems. In addition, democracy will enhance national respects for international meeting protocol - such as attendance at Township Border Committee meetings without last minute cancellations.
Professor Dr Kriengsak Chareonwongsak
Executive Director, Institute of Future Studies for Development (IFD)
kriengsak@kriengsak.com, http://www.ifd.or.th
Executive Director, Institute of Future Studies for Development (IFD)
kriengsak@kriengsak.com, http://www.ifd.or.th
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