We can learn from Burma's frantic pace of change

"Another day, another milestone" was how The Economist started its article on Burma.

It began the article with the phrase that perfectly describes how most Thais are feeling towards political developments in the country.

Yes, we are in awe. Compared to the slow motion in the past decades, things there have happened in frantic speed as seen in action movies.

During 1930s, under British ruling, Burma was the second biggest economy in Southeast Asia. It was the world’s largest rice exporter and was full of well-educated population. Under the military ruling after the World War II, it was one of the poorest countries in the world. With the per capita income of US$804, it is ranked the 156th economy in the world. That is in stark contrast to Thailand’s $5,281. In terms of economic size, Burma’s is only $82 billion, compared to $600 billion of Thailand.

The egg is hatched, though. From an ugly duckling, Burma is like a peacock, charming all with its beautiful and colourful features. Investors are flocking to the country, which last year drew foreign direct investment of $20 billion.

Timeline showed how much the country has changed. Aung San Suu Kyi's opposition party, the National League for Democracy (NLD) was unbanned last year, following the end of her house arrest. In early February, Burma's finance minister announced the country's foreign debt. Then, the UN human-rights envoy won the rights to monitor the by-elections in April. A new media law is being considered to make Burma one of the most liberal reporting environments in the region.

It was summed up in The Economist why this happens now and so fast. It attributed to the failed socialist planning, followed by more of military crony capitalism which turned the once-rich country far behind neighbours. Under Western sanctions 21 years ago, it has been denied connection to sources of international finances. China is not the one to turn to, as despite controlling 70 per cent of foreign direct investment last year, it does not offer technical and educational assistance. If prisoners must be freed to get sanctions lifted, so be it. Accelerating the change is the Arab spring. It's the right time for national reconciliation, supported by new president Thein Sein's enthusiasm for reforms. Indeed, his enthusiasm was endorsed by Suu Kyi who agreed to run for parliament despite her opposition to the 2008 constitution. Both met and a deal struck, paving way for quick pace of change. As Suu Kyi worked to lift sanctions, political prisoners were released, NLD promised to take power, and it was agreed on no retribution or prosecutions on former generals.

It's marvelous to consider that all that change was attributed to only one thing - a change in the political landscape, when the military regime since 1962 comes to an end.

Certainly, more changes are promised as Burma is hosting the Asean meetings next year. The poor country welcomes everything, to resurrect. Despite abundance of natural resources, it requires efficient workforce and capital. But like Suu Kyi said, investors were told not to jump on the bandwagon as risk factors remain. One involves the number of ethnic population, which is about one fourth. Will these people want the same things as Burmans? Will border insurgencies stop forever?

That might be too a pessimistic view. Fortunately, not all share my thinking. According to a Phuket MP, a school there is now teaching Burmese language. If you need translators who would work in your interest, go after them.

Matter-of-factly, Burma's reopening can equally harm and benefit Thailand. With proper infrastructure, most of the investors would come to Thailand first if they want to fly to the country. A Thai company is now busy renting out offices and accommodation. PTT Group and Italian-Thai Development are aiming for big pieces of business. If our neighbour prospers and its citizens refocus on rebuilding the country than weapons, we would get better.

If anything, Burma has already advanced Thailand one step. Just as some Thais still want to cling to the military power to ward off "bad spirits" which could be dismantled only with the country's unity not military power, Burma is distancing itself from such power.