Dhaka  - Thailand's foreign minister urged the creation of an "open society" in neighbouring Myanmar, saying that an end to repressive government in the military-run nation would help "stabilize" the south-east Asian region.

Kasit Priyoma said during an official visit to Bangladesh that "change in Myanmar is very much needed. It is not only a necessity for the security of Myanmar, but also for all the neighbouring countries."

The minister is on a two-day official visit to Dhaka, where he met Monday with his Bangladeshi counterpart Dipu Moni.

The Thai diplomat said that many south-east and south Asian nations had had military dictatorships, and had now emerged into democratic rule.

Myanmar is widely seen as an international pariah for its harsh government, as well as its treatment of human-rights activists such as Aung San Suu Kyi.

"The question has to be posed (regarding) Myanmar. Why can't they also emerge from that to an open society? It would be good for the whole region. It would be good for all of us," he said.  (dpa)