That is when the Philippines, Thailand and Singapore began backtracking on Myanmar, though some say they were making these noises to please their Western allies. Behind the scenes more is going on than is immediately apparent. He sent trusted chum, tycoon Ananda Krishnan, to Yangon to try to talk sense to leader Khin Nyunt. It didn't work, but such efforts may continue. We think it is worth it because it is easier to deal with them if they're inside.
Many members are in no position to do so.
The socio-economic gulf between the old and new members is wide. But the long-term economic pluses are huge. Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore are moving into high-tech manufacturing. In recent years they have built infrastructure in the CLM nations. Once complete, their labor-intensive industry can shift there.