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Published on October 9, 2007

The letter said as a predominantly Buddhist country, Thailand considers violence against Buddhist monks to be "unacceptable".

Monks have been beaten and arrested in recent weeks during the biggest demonstrations seen in the isolationist state in nearly 20 years. More than a dozen protestors were killed in the crackdown and over 2,000 people have been detained.

"The letter [to Than Shwe] was to make clear our stance that we disagree with the violence," Surayud said.

The prime minister dispatched the letter to Than Shwe after he was strong-

ly criticised for not speak-ing out sooner about the

situation in neighbouring Burma.

"We have to look at the international community, the UN and Asean. We have to take the same stance and consult Asean on what to do next to solve the problems," he said.

"Basically, we agree with the dialogue [between the junta and the opposition] which is the same stance as Asean," Surayud said.

Meanwhile, the economic fallout of the Burmese violence has begun to be felt in Thailand.

The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB), Thailand's largest business association, yesterday considered the effects of the violence on the economy.

Although the impact is not yet serious, the value of border goods has slightly decreased, an official said.

Pramon Sutiwong, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said trading in Tak province and other bordering areas was slightly down at the moment.

The business sector also fears that if the international community increases pressure on trading partners to set sanctions against Burma, Thai businessmen who currently trade with Burma might be affected.

"The total value of trade between Thailand and Burma is worth more than Bt100 billion, which will be affected if Burma's trading partners are forced to set sanctions," Pramon said.

However, he insisted the private sector would get in line with the Asean community on the issue.

The Nation