Letter to the Editor
June 15, 2004
The Nation (Thailand)

BURMESE JUNTA TOO USEFUL TO BOOT OUT

Burma is run by a gang of murderers. The nations of ASEAN do not want to pressure the group because (1) it diverts attention from their own dictatorial structures; (2) many influential persons in such nations are benefitting personally from the huge drug trade out of Burma; and (3) in Thailand's case, Thai businesses benefit from the migrant worker influx from Burma to supply factories, fishing boats and brothels with what is essentially slave labor. It is a good deal for everyone involved, except the Burmese.

See www.dictatorwatch.org for additional information.

Roland Watson