Ambassador: Election Results Won’t Change Myanmar – Thailand Relationship

BANGKOK, Nov 15 (TNA) - The victory by the National League for Democracy (NLD) led by Myanmar’s pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi in the general elections last Sunday would not affect long-standing close relations between Myanmar and its neighbour Thailand, while Thai businessmen should increase investment in Myanmar, said Thai ambassador to Myanmar Pisanu Suvanajata. Mr. Pisanu told journalists that it is now certain that the NLD would win by capturing a majority of seats in the general elections held on November 8 and the party has the right to nominate its party member to become president of the country. It is expected that the new government could be formed next March while the military government is now believed to transfer power to the elected civilian government, Mr. Pisanu said. Myanmar’s military leaders as well as President Thein Sein have sent a signal acknowledging results of the election while it is hoped that warm relations with Thailand would be cherished, he said. Diplomatic relations between Myanmar and Thailand have been rosy in the past five years as Thailand has helped in ceasefire negotiations between the Myanmar government and ethnic groups and other political issues, said Mr. Pisanu. It is expected that Myanmar would request Thailand to use Thailand as a venue for peace negotiations with Myanmar’s ethnic and religious groups, he noted. Asked whether there would be any changes in investment law after a new government is formed in Myanmar, Mr. Pisanu responded that he personally believed that the law would continue because several sectors want to see reforms and better livelihood of the people in the country. Mr. Pisanu said he is optimistic that existing sanctions imposed by countries on Myanmar would be lifted soon after the new government administers the country and this will open the door for Myanmar to “enter global economy on a full scale basis”. “Myanmar is now no longer an option for anybody. On the contrary, it is Myanmar that will pick up others with its reasons,” Mr. Pisanu added.(TNA)