TIES WITH BURMA
No backing for rebels, PM tells junta
The Bangkok Post, Thursday 26 August 2004
PRADIT RUANGDIT
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has assured Rangoon that his government
will not support Burma's ethnic minority rebels along the common border.
Mr Thaksin gave the assurance to Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Burma's armed forces
chief-of-staff, who called on him yesterday, said government spokesman
Jakrapob Penkair.
Thailand adhered to its policy of working directly with the Burmese government,
the spokesman said.
Gen Shwe Mann, Burma's No. 4 leader, also conveyed a message from Burmese
Prime Minister Khin Nyunt inviting Mr Thaksin to attend the World Buddhism
Summit in Rangoon on Dec 9.
Mr Jakrapob said a satellite concession deal was not raised for discussion
during their meeting.
Meanwhile, Thailand and Burma have agreed to set up a joint venture for
the construction of five hydro-powered dams in the Salween river basin,
beginning with Tha Sang dam.
The agreement was reached during the Aug 16-17 visit to Rangoon by a
Thai delegation led by Wiset Jupibal, assistant to the energy minister,
who held talks with the Ministry of Electricity of Burma.
The Energy Ministry yesterday reported the development to cabinet, saying
both countries would step up cooperation to develop five hydro-powered
electricity generating projects.
They included the Tha Sang dam for a 7,000-megawatt power plant in the
upper Salween, and two 600MW power plants at Hajji and Tanaosi.
The ministry will work with Thai public and private firms that are interested
in investing in the projects.
Thailand and Burma believe that Tha Sang dam is most ready for the development
since studies have already been made on its location and design.
Authorities of both countries will meet again next month on details of
the dam.
A joint Thai-Burmese cooperation committee has been set up to push for
implementation of the dam projects. Also, a joint Thai-Burmese venture
will be set up as soon as possible to study further joint investment projects.
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