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Published on December 17, 2007

The most recent case is the killing of four by a landowner in Mae Sot. The authorities disregard the human tragedy and place more restrictions on migrant workers. In five provinces, unlawful restrictions are placed on Burmese migrant workers including prohibitions on the use of mobile phones, motorcycles and social gatherings as well as the imposition of curfews. One governor even banned the celebration of cultural events. A top government official was reported as having told the press that pregnant Burmese migrant women should be sent back. They have no qualms in using their authority to subjugate innocent decent human beings who have had to flee their country and seek refuge wherever possible.

It is important that the authorities look at the situation sensibly. Why Burmese flee to Thailand to work under harsh conditions is a question they should seek to answer and solve. It is to escape the rampant human-rights violations, severe repression, persecution, lack of justice and evil military dictators who continue to rule them. Until and unless there is rule of law and national reconciliation in Burma, they will keep fleeing to Thailand.

Thailand should call for the military junta in Burma to stop all human-rights violations and the repressive acts of the junta against its own people if it wants to stop the influx of refugees and migrant workers. There should be no more trade and investment in Burma in these sectors: contract farming, timber, gas, gems, mines and dams. These are the main contributors to most of the suffering and abuse facing the Burmese people and forcing them to flee to Thailand.

Democratic changes in Burma will work both ways. It will be good for Thailand and for Burma. Helping for a peaceful transition in Burma is the best solution.

Burmese migrant workers are victims, not criminals. Their human rights should be respected and they should be treated with dignity and kindness. If they do not violate the laws of the country they work in, they should not be penalised.

Sann Aung

Elected member for parliament of Burma

Bangkok

A spot of bother over something called 'PTT'

On Saturday evening, I attended a rather pleasant cocktail party to celebrate Lady Veronica's birthday onboard a delightfully converted rice barge which had been beautifully restored - the teak glowed pleasingly in the reflected moonlight from the river; the service by traditionally dressed waiters was sublime and the food extremely pleasing.

The company was, however, a collection of leathery business types of Wilberforce's acquaintance, to bankers, some effete diplomats, a strange man who Janice Crabtree affirmed was a spy, but fortunately an ample sprinkling of pleasing young things who were friends of Lady Veronica's son Justin.

I was enjoying the evening, my second martini, some very agreeable Lucques olives wrapped in Parma ham and the pleasant scenery; my eye having alighted upon a rather striking young thing when my moment of bliss was rudely shattered by Wilberforce becoming quite animated in conversation with some under-secretary person from the embassy.

It was impossible to escape the content of this oration, which was about something called the PTT case. Wilberforce was in full flow about it. He was adamant that it was indicative of the country. The rules had been changed at the eleventh hour he contested. It showed how uncertain things were here and how one could depend on nothing as anything could be decided on a whim.

Well, imagine my horror that Lady Veronica's party was becoming a heated rant by her boorish husband Wilberforce. Something was required, so I acted with alacrity, I feigned a faint; down I went with a vengeance. It did the trick, there was a flurry of activity, and to my delight the striking young thing was there to break my fall. So as Dolly said to me in her pithy way "a result Catherine"; and the conversation turned to more ephemeral things.

Catherine Chobley-Dickson

Bangkok

Locals reap the benefit of Laos dam's construction

Re: "Lao dam impact policies 'a shambles' ", Opinion December 13.

In order to give balanced and correct information on the Nam Theun II hydropower project in Laos and on its impact for the people in the region, it seems important to correct some inaccurate statements published recently by some advocacy NGOs.

The information listed below comprises facts that could be easily verified. The best feedback could be obtained by visiting and talking to the resettlers themselves. The video documentary "Nakai Plateau, one year later: testimony of the villagers" can be downloaded from the Nam Theun II website (www.namtheun2.com).

Also included on the website is the presentation "Nam Theun 2 project update - November 2007" and "Watershed Management Protection Authority" giving a general overview of the project and of its progress both in its industrial component and its social and environmental components.

Resettlement on the Nakay Plateau:

The 1240 families are being relocated on the Nakay Plateau according to their own desire to remain within their spirit territory. They have already received many benefits, including high-quality housing, access to main roads, clean water, health services and education.

It is important to note that the people do not feel "forced" to relocate. The objective is to double the resettlers' income within five years after relocation, with everyone then being above the "Laos poverty level".

The long-term sustainability of the resettlement relies on five components: agriculture, livestock, fisheries, forestry and off-farm activities.

One year after their relocation, the villagers have expressed their great satisfaction for all of what has been already given to them. Their testimony can be seen on the aforementioned online video.

Downstream of the power station:

The project includes downstream development programme, designed to offset any negative project impact on the downstream rivers.

The livelihood development programme is already well advanced in 39 pilot villages along Xe Bang Fai and seven villages in the "hinterlands" and will be further expanded. The programme provides technical assistance covering mainly fish culture, livestock, crop diversification and handicrafts.

The water released downstream of the power station in the Gnommalath plain and then in the Xe Bang Fai is a major potential benefit for the development of the region, and in particular for development of irrigated crops.

The management of the Watershed Management Protection Authority has been efficient and effective in ensuring the development of the villagers living within the national biodiversity and conservation area who therefore rely less on the local natural resources for their subsistence.

 Nam Theun II Power Company and the government of Laos are well aware of the challenges ahead of them to make the Nam Theun II project a model for the best benefits to people in the project area and nationwide. They are working diligently together day by day, with the support of international financing institutions, led by the World Bank, to achieve this goal.

Bernard Tribollet

Former chief executive officer of the Nam Theun II Power Company

Paris