Thailand has no choice but to put national economic interests before human rights concerns in dealing with Burma, Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama said yesterday.
The Samak government would do whatever it takes to turn the economy around as quickly as possible.
''In the past, we had constructive engagement and flexible engagement, but they never took us anywhere.
''Now, we will adopt another approach, neighbour engagement.
''We will talk to them in a friendly manner on subjects that they are comfortable with,'' said Mr Noppadon.
He would also talk about the Election Commission's experiences in organising a constitutional referendum when he visits Burma in the second week of March. The junta has announced plans for a national referendum in May.
''The policy of non-interference remains a sacrosanct principle, not only for Asean but also the international community,'' he said.
Under intense international pressure, the junta announced plans this month for a referendum in May on a proposed new constitution written under military guidance, to be followed by a general election in 2010.
Mr Noppadol said he feels sorry for Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, but was not able to help her.
The junta's domestic and international critics say the referendum plans are undemocratic because they do not involve open debate and they also bar Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, from taking part in the elections.
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