Editorials from Thai Press

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BANGKOK
SUMMARY OF THE THAI PRESS
SATURDAY 20, MARCH 1999

(NOTE: The following is an unedited summary of selected headlines,   
columns and editorials from the Thai press. It should be read in   
conjunction with the Bangkok English language newspapers. Items are   
selected for summary based upon their interest and usefulness to US   
officials. This press summary should not be considered a balanced   
reflection of what appears in the Thai press on any given day. This is   
not an official document and the producers assume no responsibility for   
accuracy of translations.)


II	EDITORIALS & COMMENTARY:

1. 	KAFE DAM of Krungthep Thurakit asks for ASEAN's intervention on   
humanitarian ground for the reunion of Burmese political activist ONGSAN   
SUJI and her dying and away husband, Mr. MICHAEL ARIS. Burmese junta   
government should be pleaded and convinced to temporarily forget about   
politics and allow ONGSAN to travel out of the country to comfort her   
dying husband in England. Mr. ARIS should not have to travel to Burma   
because of his deteriorating physical condition. And after their   
difficult time has passed, ONGSAN must have rights, or be allowed, to   
return to Burma to continue her political works. This is the best   
opportunity for ASEAN to show its unity and coherence, as well as for   
Burma to show its humanitarian stance, before the world community.

Matichon columnist PHICHIEN KHURATHONG concurs with KAFE DAM but urges   
the Burmese junta government to issue visa for the ailing husband to see   
his wife in Burma. The Burmese government should take the chance to show   
the EU and the world of its good intention and kind clemency on this   
matter, as well as to honor the suggestion by ASEAN as one of its member.   
If not, everyone will simply know and understand why this country is much   
hatred by the EU and the world community.