Thai govt urged to oppose possible Burmese junta crackdown on protesters

"Thailand, as a neighbour and fellow member of Asean, should send a clear message to the Burmese military junta, opposing the use of all forms of violence against the demonstrators, calling for the immediate release of Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners," read the Thai NGO Coordinating Committee on development (NGOCOD).

The statement, signed by its chairman, Jon Ungphakorn, said Thailand should take action by asking the junta to announce urgent measures for the establishment of democracy in Burma.

The group said if the Thai government remained silent and allowed the situation get out of hand, Thailand may prepare to receive hundreds of thousands or even millions of Burmese refugees from across the border.

The group expressed its support for the peaceful marches and public gatherings calling for democracy and social justice in Burma by the Buddhist Clergy and hundreds of thousands of Burmese citizens.

"We fervently hope that the campaign is successful and devoid of bloodshed. But it is extremely worrying that that the Burmese military junta has a long uniform track record of using violence against the peaceful democracy movement," read the statement.

[see more in diplomatic line]