The trouble with neighbors

The latest exchanges between ASEAN's newest recruit and its immediate neighbor to the east have involved munitions rather than legal commerce or expressions of amity and cooperation.

No diplomatic or cultural niceties here.

Instead, intrusions and cross-border mortar attacks by Burmese government forces along with their Democratic Karen Buddhist Army allies have provoked Thai security forces to shell their jungle bases.

The fruits of the policy of constructive engagement championed with such vigor by members of ASEAN have so far been bitter from the Thai perspective.

Before the despotic xenophobes in Rangoon were admitted to the club, their supporters pushed the line that it was better to have them in the club than out of it.

The junta that has and continues to force itself on a cowed and impoverished people would moderate its behavior in such august company, or so they thought.

Events have shown such optimism to be misplaced, as Karen refugees from Rangoon's excesses have been finding to their cost.

Attacks on civilian refugees are beyond the pale in any civilized society, as are military operations beyond national borders.

Hostilities along Thailand's border with Burma cannot be allowed to continue, and it is in this respect that the regional grouping, which has embraced Rangoon, should use its good offices to bring to an end family discord.

-- The Bangkok Post