New Thai Policies Not Junta-Friendly

http://www.ipsnews. net/news. asp?idnews= 45259

BURMA: New Thai Policies Not Junta-Friendly
By Marwaan Macan-Markar

BANGKOK, Dec 30 (IPS) - If Burma's military regime is showing signs of
worry about the change of guard that has taken place in neighbouring
Thailand, there are good reasons.

Thailand's new coalition government in Thailand, headed by the Democrat
Party, plans to unveil a Burma policy that is expected to be a break from
what has largely prevailed since 2001 -- where Bangkok pampered the junta
with diplomatic niceties and offered a protective shield against
international criticism.

Kasit Piromya, the new foreign minister, spelled out what the Burmese
junta could soon expect during a conference for academics and diplomats
held at a university here on the eve of his appointment. ''We are a
democratic society, an open society, and our foreign policy should reflect
this,'' said Kasit, a veteran diplomat who has served in major capitals,
including Washington D.C. and Tokyo.