Generals love generals more than Thais love Thais

The Nation-Published on Dec 17, 2001

After the Pol Pot years, the world pleaded ignorance of the horrors that were taking place in Cambodia, thus excusing itself for doing nothing. Now in the case of Burma, no one can plead ignorance.

The infamous crimes being committed by the military junta in Burma are well documented and irrefutable. Why, then, does Thailand side with the generals against the Burmese people? Every day we hear "Thais love Thais," but, perhaps,generals love generals even more?

The dissidents sheltering in Maneeloy Burmese Student Centre are no different from those "persons of concern" already resettled in third countries, except for arbitrary shifts in Thai policy and subsequent changes in UNHCR semantics.

If "Thais love Thais", there should be condemnation of that rogue state next door. There should be sympathy for those suffering from the junta's lawlessness. There should be respect for the rights of those who have well-deserved fears of reprisal from the Burmese military, which deals ruthlessly with all who oppose it.The Burmese dissidents in Maneeloy still require protection.

If Burma's revolution of the spirit had succeeded, Aung San Suu Kyi would be free, Burmese exiles around the world would be busy rebuilding their country, and those students would be respected patriots in their home towns. Sadly, that day has not yet come.

Visakha Kawasaki
FLINT, MICHIGAN