"Hate Thai" history remains compulsory in schools

"Hate Thai" history remains compulsory in schools

Thai-Burma relations

According to New Era journal, February edition, the history of Thai-Burma relations, as written by Rangoon following military confrontation between Thai and Burma forces in February 2001, continues to be required text in Burma's schools, despite resumption of bilateral ties last year. 

Col San Pwint, knownas one of Gen Khin Nyunt's trusted lieutenants, had warned teachers in Pongpakhem, Mongton Township, on 23 January, following discovery that the text was being taught only students in the primary but not to those in the middle and highlevels. Teachers who remained slack even after his warning would face effective official action, he said. 

Pongpakhem, 16 km from the Chiangmai border, was designated a sub-township of Mongton last year. 

According to Bangkok Post, 23 September 2002, Gen Sanan Khajornklam, Secretary of Thai-Burma Cultural and Economic Cooperation Committee had mentioned to his Burmese counterparts of the need for making changes to texts which were seen as harmful to bilateral ties. "But Bangkok was reluctant to push the matter further," said post correspondent Wassana Nanuam. 

The text maintains that conflicts between the two countries, past and present, without exceptions, have been set off by "Yodaya" aggression. Yodaya is a derogatory name for Thailand and its people.