Burma as a strategic economic partner
Professor Dr Kriengsak Chareonwongsak
Executive Director, Institute of Future Studies for Development (IFD)
kriengsak@kriengsak.com, http://www.ifd.or.th
This article was first published in the Bangkok Post on July 8th 2001 during a period of considerable conflict between Thailand and Myanmar, so much so that the border between the two countries was closed.
The recent decision by the Thai Prime Minister to visit Burma on 19 – 20 June 2001, in the midst of ongoing tense relations between both countries, was highly risky. It was particularly risky in light of the fact that some parts of Burmese history textbooks were amended to negatively accuse the Thai royal institution, thus further igniting anti-Burmese sentiment. Yet, the result of these negotiations will prove that Thailand’s leader has a world-wide vision, looking at the advantages of good, Thai-Burma relations. What is especially significant about this visit to Burma is that it marks a significant step towards the better recovery of the conundrum between the two countries. It builds upon and at the same time, builds up, the intentions of both nations to eliminate drug smuggling and to open border trade both at Tah Kee Lek border crossing and at the border of Mae Sai District of Thailand from 24 June 2001.
Professor Dr Kriengsak Chareonwongsak
Executive Director, Institute of Future Studies for Development (IFD)
kriengsak@kriengsak.com, http://www.ifd.or.th
This article was first published in the Bangkok Post on July 8th 2001 during a period of considerable conflict between Thailand and Myanmar, so much so that the border between the two countries was closed.
The recent decision by the Thai Prime Minister to visit Burma on 19 – 20 June 2001, in the midst of ongoing tense relations between both countries, was highly risky. It was particularly risky in light of the fact that some parts of Burmese history textbooks were amended to negatively accuse the Thai royal institution, thus further igniting anti-Burmese sentiment. Yet, the result of these negotiations will prove that Thailand’s leader has a world-wide vision, looking at the advantages of good, Thai-Burma relations. What is especially significant about this visit to Burma is that it marks a significant step towards the better recovery of the conundrum between the two countries. It builds upon and at the same time, builds up, the intentions of both nations to eliminate drug smuggling and to open border trade both at Tah Kee Lek border crossing and at the border of Mae Sai District of Thailand from 24 June 2001.
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