First Statement: Buddhist Network in Thailand

The Burmese military regime has been controlling the country for more than half a century using brutal tactics to divide and rule, disregarding the rule of law and categorically marginalizing people from its ethnic groups. Recent actions taken by Burmese military regime has brought hundreds of Buddhist monks to the streets who are now being supported by an outpouring of Burmese people. According to the media, the movement continues to increase as more and more lay people join the street demonstrations in Yangoon.

The Buddhist Network of Thailand declares its support and expresses our goodwill for the Buddhist Burmese monks to continue their vigil through using peaceful means. The Buddhist Network of Thailand's standing point with the Burmese Buddhists demands the freedom, democracy and ending the dictatorship regime's abuse of power in the unjust ways which includes religious indoctrination and silencing of the monks voices together with the general population.

As Buddhist people of a strong tradition, we ask people of all religions and beliefs to come together to support and send goodwill to all Burmese people, especially the Buddhist Burmese monks and lay people who are now confronting the Burmese military using peaceful means in the streets of Yangoon.

We are optimistic that this present action confronting the Burmese military dictatorship using nonviolence action to bring about political change by Burmese Buddhists will be successful and help to bring about long term social change that can be sustained at last.

With our best wishes and good will

Pra Kittisak Kittisophano

Coordinator

Buddhist Network of Thailand

Buddhist Network of Thailand

14/370 Moo 10 Praram 2 Soi 38

Bangmod Jomthong Bkk 10150