Asean rejects US call to kick Burma out

Abhisit said an isolated Burma would not help the reconciliation and democratisation process in the militaryrun state.

Speaking as current chair of the 10-state grouping, Abhisit said that while Asean and the West "have the same goal, we cannot implement the same policy."

"There are not enough grounds to do that (expel Burma). We have already done what we can under the Asean mechanism."

"If Myanmar is expelled it will further isolate (the regime) and would that solve the problem?"

Asked on Thai television interview whether Asean should expel Burma if it does not free the pro democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, Clinton replied: "It would be an appropriate policy change to consider."

"If she were released that would open up opportunities at least for my country to expand our relationship with Burma, including investments in Burma," she told reporters on Thursday. But such opportunities were "up to the Burmese leadership".

 Abhisit said Asean would continue to engage Burma and continue to assist Burma with its reconciliation process.

Asean and the international community have called on Burma to release all political prisoners, including prodemocracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, and to include all stakeholders in the democratisation process.