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.
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.
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
