A rights group has criticized Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra for accepting the ongoing house arrest of Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
Mr. Thaksin said in a recent radio broadcast that Burma's military government told him that the Nobel laureate's release could lead to political, social and ethnic instability in Burma. The Thai prime minister said Burma's explanation was "reasonable" and "convincing."
The U.S. Campaign for Burma says Mr. Thaksin is isolating himself from international opinion toward Burma. The group says Mr. Thaksin's comments show he is only interested in expanding his personal wealth.
Mr. Thaksin, through his immediate family, maintains holdings in major corporations doing business with Burma. He has not responded to the rights group's statement.