As Burma's immediate neighbour, Thailand's complete silence vis-a-vis the ongoing protests in Rangoon and the violent break-up by riot police is appalling and a big letdown. It would not have been surprising were this attitude adopted by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is known for his business links with the Burmese junta. But for the Surayud government, which claims high ethical standards, it is incomprehensible why it does not even have the courage to issue a statement pleading for restraint.Though unlike Burma's Buddhist monks who have a history of democratic protest, the Thai clergy can _ and should _ lend moral support to the Burmese monastic community without offending monastic rules, by at least chanting prayers for peace and non-violence in Burma. As a responsible nation and people, Thailand and the Thai people cannot afford to remain silent as the Burmese junta are about to slaughter their own people, whose only crime is to cry for freedom. Our silence can only be construed as the guilt of a conspirator in the crimes being perpetrated against the Burmese people.From the Bangkok Post  

The whole world can chant prayers for peace, it wont make the slightest difference to the junta in Burma........... half the world has already condemned them.

I believe you George 100% and what does every one want the Thai government to say or do?

Better to let others that are not neighbors to Burma speak out.

It would be a sure thing in diplomatic circles that some measures be taken against the Burma rulers.

I disagree. Thailand should add its voice. If your neighbor is abusing his child, do you say nothing?

Gen. Surayud, by the way, is detested by the Burmese junta.

The writer mush have had his/her head up in ass:

"It would not have been surprising were this attitude adopted by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is known for his business links with the Burmese junta. But for the Surayud government, which claims high ethical standards,"

Via New Mandala.

Thai junta head General Sonthi made these comments about the situation in Burma on Thai television last night:

Regarding the dispersal of demonstrations, the Burmese government did not use military force. Police was deployed. That was the right approach. It has been used by every country?that the military must step back to let police take charge. But the actual tactics may vary from country to country. However, I think there is no violence in the current situation. Everything is under control. The Burmese government is still in control of the situation. On the reports that Buddhist monks were assaulted [during the dispersal of demonstrations], that cannot be concluded just from looking at the photos. As it happened in Thailand, sometimes people used violence against officials. So officials may have to defend themselves. There has been no political suppression. Burmese authorities should understand that it?getting Buddhist monks involved in the demonstrations?is a tactic used by demonstrators. So Burmese authorities understand that they cannot use violence against Buddhist monks. They must use soft approach. I was informed that Burma uses dialogue to solve the problem, and senior Buddhist monks have helped negotiate to end the problem. I do not think Burma will care [about international pressure], because it does not really depend on anyone. Burma has been taking care of itself all along. It does not accept interference from outside. Moreover, there are many countries that have discretely helped protect Burma?such as China and Korea. That is because Burma has plenty natural resources that many major powers want to have their hand on. We are neighbor [of Burma]. If we get involved, that will undermine our relationship.

Swallow that my friends. Military realism by CNS. You think Surayud's "ethics" are not tainted by commercial interests too? He has to also walk fine line kissing Sonthis ass, trying to look like he is decision maker and even still challenge Sonthi to show he is not CNS stooge and so on... It is not like Thaksin has been the only one to promote business with Burma. Oh those gas resoources, sweet gas.

That is correct in that the Thai and Burmese militaries have generally tried to keep things on a friendly level. As they have a long history of conflict, starting in the late 1980s several Thai military commanders have worked to keep things friendly with the Burmese junta.

The worst of the lot was Chavalit Yongchaiyudh. He and several of his cronies in the military benefited form business deals with the junta. Chavalit's actions, and the actions of his army commanders, in relation to the Burmese were despicable.

The one Thai army chief who the Burmese could not stand was Surayud Chulanont. They hate him because he protected refugees, attacked any Burmese or ethnic troops from Burma who crossed the border into Thailand, and in response to one incursion sent a unit of Special Forces into Burma and wiped out some Burmese troops.

For doing that, he was moved out of his post by Thaksin.

Burmese state-run papers regularly printed vitriolic attacks against Surayud when he was army chief.

As prime minister, I can't recall or am not aware of any business dealings Surayud or his ministers have had with the Burmese junta. If you have any evidence of this, please show it.