March 14, 2008
BANGKOK - Thailand opposes Western sanctions on neighbouring Myanmar and is ready to help it hold a referendum on a new constitution in May, according to Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama.
"Thailand disagrees with sanctions," Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama told reporters before leaving for Myanmar with Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, who was making a one-day official visit to the country.
But Noppadon said Thailand favoured negotiations over sanctions, adding that talks with iron-fisted generals could lead to positive developments in the country, which has been ruled by the military since 1962, according to AFP.
Thailand is ready to help Myanmar hold its constitutional referendum planned for May.
"If Myanmar wants assistance from Thailand, we are ready to offer help as a friendly country," Noppadon said.
Myanmar's junta has already refused UN technical assistance and foreign observers at the May referendum, which the regime says will pave the way for elections in 2010.
