In a statement issued yesterday, the Hong Kong-based group said Surakiart "had done nothing to advance political and social change in Burma, either as deputy prime minister or foreign minister".

It described the Thai government's relations with Burma as "negligent and business-oriented".

The AHRC said that although Surakiart had had five years in which to influence Burma's military regime, he had never taken advantage of his position.

On June 26, Surakiart told journalists in Kuala Lumpur during an annual meeting of Asean ministers that he would work for democratic reform in Burma, as well as the release of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, if elected as the next UN chief.

The AHRC also criticised the

recent statement by caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra about the need for Burma to release Suu Kyi, saying it was a façade to enhance Surakiart's bid because the "Thai government has no record of support for human rights in Burma".

Basil Fernando, AHRC executive director, said: "What does Surakiart mean by saying that if he becomes secretary-general he will start working for democracy in Burma?

"In effect, he is saying that if he can quit the good position he is in to work for change in Burma from Thailand and get a job in New York, only then will he be able to do something.

"This is sheer nonsense."