Leading Burmese dissidents urged on Wednesday the Thai government and the international community to prepare for the possible influx of refugees in case of bloody clashes between authorities and prodemocracy demonstrators in Burma.

Charm Thong, a member of the Shan Women Action Network (Swan), said a clear policy is Thailand needed in order to avoid any confusion if and the Thai border is flooded with Burmese fleeing crackdown.

Cham Thong pressure from the world community is welcomed but added that all eyes are on China, a member of the UN Security Council and Rangoon’s closest allies.

The international community has urged the UNSC to pass a binding resolution to “put an end to the suffering of our people”.

Dr. Cynthia Maung, an ethnic Karen refugee who runs a border clinic in Mae Sot district, said she is also preparing for the worst case scenario.

There are already about 150,000 refugees in Mae Sot district. Most are ethnic Karens who came with stories of rape and torture.

Meanwhile, the Internal Security Operation Command (Isoc) has ordered its regional commander along the ThaiBurmese border to keep a close watch on the development inside Burma.

Colonel Thanathip Sawangsaeng, Isoc’s spokesman, said situation along the major crossing, including Mae Sai, Mae Sot and Hua Muang, were normal but authorities have been instructed not to be complacent.