As the world watched with disbelief the tragic deaths of 54 Burmese victims of illegal human trafficking in Thailand, even more unbelievable were Thai Foreign Minister Noppadon's remarks to the British Prime Minister's Special Representative Mr. Michael Williams. In an amazing copycat version of the Burmese regime's accusation of Western sanctions, he said that human trafficking is largely the result of Western sanctions.

he Burmese regime is earning billions of dollars from Thailand and other ASEAN nations and it is the responsibility of the Burmese regime to use that income judiciously to create jobs for the population and to invest the income to stimulate the economy. But it is no secret that the income is squandered on sustaining an army of some 400,000 troops and on haphazard modernization projects serving largely to fatten the general's pockets. What is left for the people? Nothing. Healthcare is in a horrible state. Education is in shambles.

The infrastructure f the country is still pathetic. Electricity only consistently works in Naypyitaw, with vast waths of the country completely denied access to electrical power. Rangoon smells of sewage uring floods while the regime and their cronies bask in luxurious mansions. Hardly any of the illions of dollars earned annually is invested in stimulating the economy or improving the uality of life for the general population.

Supposing the West did lift sanctions without attendant political changes or freedom for the pople, would the situation still continue in the same manner? Yes. The army would still be in ower, as it will be after the referendum or rigged elections. Further, the pattern of the ruling eneral's spending and skimming off the national income will remain unchanged. And the orrendous act of human trafficking and the deluge of Burmese refugees seeking a better life in hailand will still continue unabated.

If Thailand and other ASEAN countries would like to see Western sanctions lifted they can take ne crucial action. That is act as a broker between the Burmese regime and Western nations to ain political freedom for the Burmese.

The regime we know will not talk to Aung San Suu Kyi or any democratic group. They will only alk to the West about sanctions if there is a way for an intermediary to broker a dialogue. This ill save face for both the regime and Western powers. But there needs to be a pathway worked ut to ensure political freedom in return for the lifting of sanctions.

Once a process like this is started it becomes a precedent. ASEAN is becoming a powerful lock and it is time for them to use their clout to foster a better exchange between Burma and he West. It behooves ASEAN countries to give it a try. When Burma is liberated it will relieve hem of a big burden they are now carrying and it will further raise them to the position of global mportance they are seeking.

I would say to Thai Foreign Minister Noppadon: Don't just accuse the West, do something onstructive for Burma for once.