The trouble with neighbors

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