UN chief will not discuss Burma with Thailand

Surayud said the visit will concentrate on Thailand's engagement with various UN agencies rather than the Burma issue, which had already been exhaustively discussed in the UN General Assembly in New York, the Nation newspaper reported.

Burma's recent crackdown on the biggest protests against military rule for two decades recently prompted diplomatic rebuke across the world. Even China, traditionally reluctant to upset friends like the Burma's military junta, was forced to express concern.

Thailand has shown little interest in pressuring the military regime for change. Thailand is currently ruled by a cabinet appointed by military coup leaders itself, and it also has key economic interests in Burma, particularly gas and oil exploration.

 Ban Ki-moon will visit Thailand on December 9,10 and 11. Thailand will hold elections for a return to civilian rule on December 23.//dpa