"...Asean also worries of itself developing into a "two-tier" club pitting wealthier nations against its newest members. Such worries are well-founded (see pg.16). Vietnam, Laos and Burma have a combined average per capita GDP of US$1,244, nearly ten times lower than the other six members. While Singapore vaults towards becoming an industrialised country, newcomers Burma and Laos remain fixtures on the list of least developed nations. Burma?s entry and Thailand?s economic malaise spreading virulently throughout the region have recently tarnished Asean?s image. Members have been chivalrous supporting each other during this financial crunch, although it?s doubtful that Asean will be as eager to rescue the Burmese kyat which is plummeting quickly..."