UN`s ban says patience running out with Myanmar

"I hope the Myanmar authorities will take it very seriously," Ban said during a visit to Thailand, where he urged the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), of which the former Burma is a member, to play a "special political role".

"The people of Myanmar have suffered from isolation for such a long time and it is high time now for the Myanmar authorities and people to be able to enjoy genuine democracy and genuine integration in the international community," Ban said.

En route to a climate change conference in Bali, Ban said he would continue with the mission of his special envoy, Ibrahim Gambari, to bring the generals to the negotiating table with detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Gambari has visited twice since September`s bloody crackdown against major pro-democracy protests in which the U.N. says up to 4,000 people were arrested and at least 31 killed -- more than three times the junta`s official toll.