Junta will keep Suu kyi uninvolved: samak

"They don't want [her] to get involved in politics. The international community might be upset about the idea but I see nothing wrong as the proposed constitution prohibits those who were married to foreigners from politics," he said, and added "that's [the nature of a] quasi-democracy".

Visiting Burmese Prime Minister Thein Sein briefed Samak on the political situation in his country when the two met yesterday. He said the junta would call a referendum to endorse the military-sponsored constitution on May 10 before holding general election in the next two years.

They need two years after the referendum to enable all people to have time to form political parties and for the military to withdraw from politics smoothly, Samak told reporters after the meeting.

Thien Sien who began his official visit to Thailand on Tuesday declined to discuss domestic political issues with his Thai counterpart although all concerned Burmese parties had expected the Thai PM to use this chance to engage the junta.

Burma has faced a political stalemate since a military crackdown on street protests led by Buddhist monks in September, which killed at least 31 people. The international community, including the United Nations, has called on the junta to have inclusive political reform and allow Aung San Suu Kyi to participate in politics.

Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama said yesterday his government would like to see the junta extend full cooperation to the UN to steer the country towards democracy.

Thailand would evaluate the political development in Burma again after the referendum, he said.

Samak said Thailand might have some role to play when it takes over the Asean chairmanship in July.

"I think we would raise the issue during the Asean summit in December and those who criticise Burma would understand better why they need to do so," Samak said.