Thailand as Asean chairman should take a more active stance such as sending an envoy to Naypidaw before the Burmese junta begins the trial of dissident Aung San Suu Kyi.
This country's proximity to Burma has allowed the Thai government to handle things differently from its western neighbours, or even its Asean colleagues.
However, the fact that we are neighbours should not be used as a pretext to avoid intervening in the trial of the key political opposition icon.
Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya's call for the release of Suu Kyi is one positive step.
Debbie Stothard, coordinator of the Alternative Asean Network on Burma, said if Asean, particularly Thailand as the present chair, cannot do more than merely expressing concern, it should abandon the charter it has lauded as a way to bring about a caring and sharing community.
"It's time to show some guts, now or never," said Ms Stothard.
Critics believe the regime is trying to stifle the voice of opposition leader Suu Kyi as the country prepares for next year's election.
Sunai Phasuk, Thai representative of Human Rights Watch, said that as Asean chair, Thailand should convene a delegation to discuss the matter with the junta.
"It is perhaps the best thing that Asean can do or the regional grouping will miss a vital opportunity, and stay a mere talkshop forever," Mr Sunai said.
The junta claims it is striving for national reconciliation, yet the necessary steps were not yet in place.
Chulalongkorn University associate professor on political science Surachart Bamrungsuk questioned Thailand's willingness to do anything more.
"Asean has long been wary of criticising Burma and rather been embarrassed when calling for Burmese political reform.
"Thailand as the first chairman under the newly-enacted Asean charter has already missed the opportunity to do more. We have been distracted by our own political wrangling at home.
"Thailand seems toothless on diplomacy during our round of the chairmanship," said Mr Surachart.
The Jakarta-based Asean Secretariat has also stayed silent on the latest troubles in Burma.
The longer the silence, the harder it will be for us to obtain change. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva should attempt to persuade a key regional power such as China, which sits on the United Nations Security Council, of the need for Burma to release Aung San Suu Kyi.