{
  "id": "RL30604",
  "type": "CRS Report",
  "typeId": "REPORTS",
  "number": "RL30604",
  "active": false,
  "source": "EveryCRSReport.com",
  "versions": [
    {
      "source": "EveryCRSReport.com",
      "id": 101950,
      "date": "2000-06-30",
      "retrieved": "2016-05-24T20:35:23.423941",
      "title": "Thailand: Relations with the U.S., Economic Recovery, and Problems with Burma -- A Research Trip Report",
      "summary": "This report summarizes information and observations from a research trip to Thailand conducted\nMay 27-June 5, 2000, with supplementary material from other sources. This report provides an\noverview of Thailand's relations with the United States, recovery from the financial crisis, and\nproblems with Burma (Myanmar) centered on illegal drug trafficking and refugees. Thailand is of\ninterest to the United States at this time because its apparent economic recovery can be a bellwether\nfor the region and the country is facing a threat to its national security from the narcotics trade and\nrefugees from Burma. Since Thailand is a military ally, the United States has a direct interest in its\ndisputes with Burma.\n  U.S. relations with Thailand are generally favorable both in terms of security and economics. \nA consensus existed among Thai government officials and business executives that their economy\nwas on the road to recovery. After growth rates of -1.8% in 1997, -10.0% in 1998 and 3.6% in 1999,\nreal gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to expand by about 4% in 2000. A question remains,\nhowever, about the sustainability of the recovery and the strategy of relying on exports to the\nbooming American economy. Since the onset of the financial crisis in 1997, the U.S. bilateral trade\ndeficit with Thailand has doubled. \n  Thailand's northern border with Burma (Myanmar) presents the greatest current threat to Thai\nsecurity. It is the scene of increased illegal drug trafficking -- aimed at the Thai population -- and\na flood of refugees -- mostly from ethnic groups in Burma. Thailand has pursued a policy of\nengagement with Burma and led in the movement to admit Burma as a member of the Association\nof Southeast Asian Nations, although that policy of engagement now seems to be undergoing\nrevision. Thai authorities are taking stronger action to stem the illegal drug trade and to attempt to\ndeal with the displaced persons from ethnic groups across the border. This encompasses a larger role\nfor the Thai military who are cooperating with the police in drug interdiction and suppression. The\ndrug problem with Burma has gone beyond the traditional opium and heroin to methamphetamines. \nThese are produced primarily in plants across the border in the Shan state and aimed at Thai\nconsumers. In 1999, an estimated 200 million tablets were smuggled into the country.\n  Thailand is housing more than 100,000 displaced persons from Burma in ten temporary camps\n-- which all too often have turned into semi-permanent settlements. An estimated 700,000 additional\nBurmese live in Thailand outside the established camps. Most have been displaced because of the\nfighting between the military junta and ethnic minorities along the border areas with Thailand. \nThese refugees are placing a heavy economic, social, and political burden on the Thai government. \nFor FY1999 and 2000, the U.S. State Department is administering U.S. appropriated funds related\nto the crisis in Burma and along the Thai-Burmese border of $6.5 million.",
      "type": "CRS Report",
      "typeId": "REPORTS",
      "active": false,
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          "url": "http://www.crs.gov/Reports/pdf/RL30604",
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      "topics": []
    }
  ],
  "topics": [
    "Foreign Affairs",
    "Industry and Trade"
  ]
}