Thais advised to pay attention to changes in Myanmar

PHITSANULOK, THAILAND, December 18 (TNA) - Thai Ambassador to Myanmar H.E. Pisanu Suvanajata suggests Thai nationals to pay attention to changes in Myanmar to avoid negative impacts on the Thai economy. H.E.Pisanu made the suggestion when delivering a keynote speech on Thursday at a two-day academic seminar under, themed “Thai-Myanmar Studies in the Realm of ASEAN Community (AC)”, jointly organized by the Foundation for the Promotion of Social Sciences and Humanities Texbooks Projects, Toyota Foundation and Naresuan University, held in Phitsanulok Province in the Lower Thai North. According to the Thai ambassador, Myanmar’s political, economic and social structures have been changing rapidly over the past years, including political development and national reconciliation, as well as public administration and economic reforms, especially the construction of three special economic zones, namely Tawei, Thilawa and Kyauk Phyu. The top Thai envoy noted that such changes in Myanmar may benefit Thailand’s trade and investment in the neighboring country, but it may also cause Myanmar labors in Thailand to retreat to their homecountry. The top Thai envoy pointed out a concern is that Thai people are unaware of the structural changes in Myanmar, which may cause them to lose economic opportunities in the neighboring market, urging Thais to, thus, change the attitude and open their minds to learn the changing situation in Myanmar. About 500 scholars on Thai-Myanmar studies participate in the two-day academic seminar, set from December 18-19, held to build a knowledge base on several issues related to Myanmar studies. (TNA)