Thailand's Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej has voiced his support for Burma's planned referendum on a new constitution.

Speaking with reporters Wednesday in Bangkok, Mr. Samak said he did not think Burma's efforts would lead to the release of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Mr. Samak told reporters that Burma would not release her, but continue to keep her, as he put it, on the shelf. Aung San Suu Kyi has been under house arrest for 12 of the past 18 years.

Visiting Burmese Prime Minister Thein Sein (l) listens to his Thai counterpart Samak Sundaravej during their meeting at government house in Bangkok, Thailand, 30 Apr 2008

Mr. Samak's comments came after a meeting Wednesday with Burmese Prime Minister General Thein Sein in Bangkok. General Thein Sein refused to speak with reporters after the meeting.

The government says that after the referendum is held on May 10, the country's new constitution will lead to multi-party elections in 2010.

Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy is calling on voters to cast a no ballot in the referendum and reject the new constitution.

The opposition says the constitution was drafted by the military and guarantees its control on power in Burma.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.