Debbie Stothard, the coordinator of Altsean-Burma (Alternative Asean Network on Burma) told The Irrawaddy on Wednesday that Asean members have not played a strong leadership role in the aftermath of the cyclone.

“The Asean action is disappointing,” she said. “They have not united and coordinated a response to the crisis which is growing more and more serious.”

She said Burma’s stonewalling of international relief efforts could have long-term consequences on human security in the region, causing waves of migration to neighboring countries.

Asean, China and India should all take a more proactive, responsible role in pushing the junta to make the decisions that will help the victims, she said.

Wittawat Sriwihok, the director of the Asean Department in the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affair, said on Wednesday that Asean foreign ministers will meet in Singapore on Monday. Burmese foreign minister Nyan Win is expected to report on the regime’s disaster relief efforts.

Meanwhile, Surin Pitsuwan, the Asean secretary-general, has contacted the World Bank and International Monetary Fund to discuss the disaster relief response. Representatives of Asean are reportedly in Burma assessing the situation.

A rapid relief team representing Asean, comprising experts in water and sanitation, health, logistics and food, is reportedly on its way to Rangoon to work with the Burmese government.

Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Tuesday urged Thai people to help Cyclone Nargis victims. He said Thais should do their best to help other people regardless of race and languages, according to a report in the Bangkok Post on Wednesday.

Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej departed Bangkok on Wednesday to talk to the military government about allowing international relief workers to enter the cyclone-stricken country.