Changes in Myanmar wanted

http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/SE%2BAsia/Story/STIStory_325161.html

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said that Thailand's proximity to Myanmar meant that any push for reform had to be handled differently. -- PHOTO: REUTERS

BANGKOK - THAILAND'S new premier said on Monday he wanted to see change in neighbouring military-ruled Myanmar but said his country would take a different tack from Western nations, which slap sanctions on the regime.
In his first public comments on Myanmar since taking office last month, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said that Thailand's proximity to Myanmar meant that any push for reform had to be handled differently.

Mr Abhisit was speaking after his foreign minister Kasit Piromya met in Bangkok with Myanmar's deputy foreign minister Kyaw Thu to discuss their ongoing relations, a foreign ministry official said.

'The goals of Western countries and the countries in this region for Myanmar are not different - we all want to see some changes,' Mr Abhisit told reporters.

'But our measures may be different because of two main reasons: cultural differences and the distance of the countries. Those who are far away may use some measures while those who are neighbours have to use other measures.'

Mr Abhisit did not comment on what steps Thailand might take to try and push for change in Myanmar, which has been ruled by the military since 1962 and keeps democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi under house arrest.

The United States and Europe have imposed economic sanctions on the regime, but the impact has been weakened as nations such as Thailand and China spend billions of dollars for a share of Myanmar's rich energy resources.

Asian countries have advocated a more diplomatic approach with their awkward neighbour, championing a process of 'constructive engagement' with the junta. -- AFP