Lt. Gen. Thein Sein was recently qouted as saying that "big nations" are a threat to national culture and nationalism. This threat is mainly to the stronghold on Burmese society. The junta fears the public is easily instigated by outside influences. For this reason any person in Burma who takes an interest in politics other than the institutionalized infrastructure of nobility in military dominance is subject to punishment. That person, including their family and associates, will endure less economic opportunities, isolation by a community which isn't brave enough to risk everything they have, and quite likely jail time.
“In the process of globalization, some big nations misusing their superiority in wealth, technology and domination of the world media for political gains are making attempts to dominate the developing countries like Myanmar politically and culturally while instilling (them) with their ways of thinking, customs and social system or lifestyle,”
The junta is always ready to maintain it's intimidation factor and keep those who have actually been brainwashed by the gov't in line.
New Mandala recently wrote an excellent summery of a documentary that shows what it's like, from an outsiders perspective, to peek inside the divisive elements governing Burmese society.
Though there is an spark of truth the junta is exploiting when it refers to national identity. Groups like the Free Burma Coalition advocate democratic progress without with limited western influence for fear of the threat to Burmese identity, they feel change should come from within. Meanwhile the UN, ASEAN and the junta's pseudo-constitutional measures have proven lacking year after year.
Now, with the coup in Thailand, a new challenge has been presented to democratic progress in the area. The Thai military command has maintained it's actions were in the name of democracy from the start though it is believed this rhetoric was to maintain investment security in the nations economy. While the Thai's are executing a strong watch and involvement in business they are also claiming they will set a good example of democratic progress to their neighbor, Burma. The question is, how will the Thai military view Burma's identity? The new Thai Prime Minister Gen Surayud Chulanont is currently touring ASEAN nations but will not be visiting Burma. He claims this is due to a tight schedule but this is more than likely to simply keep a distance from the oppressive regime, still that doesn't mean Thailand will be withdrawing financial support or trade with Burma any time soon.
