The junta reportedly said Aung San Suu Kyi's NLD would be involved

Burma's Foreign Minister Win Aung was speaking to representatives from 12 countries invited to Bangkok to discuss reforms in Burma.

Thai officials said Win Aung said opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) would be involved in the convention.

Burma's Prime Minister Khin Nyunt proposed the convention in August, as part of a so-called "road map" to democracy.

"Myanmar (Burma) explained to the meeting that the country will hold a national convention and draft a constitution next year," Thai Foreign Minister Surakiart Sathirathai said.

Win Aung had travelled to address the meeting on the understanding that his military government was not criticised.

The BBC's Kylie Morris in Bangkok says no delegates from Washington or London were invited, in case they spoke too loudly of their conviction that pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her supporters must be released before Burma is brought in from the cold.

Engaged

At a briefing prior to the meeting, Thai Foreign Minister Surakiart Sathirathai defended the selection of nations asked to attend, which was done in consultation with the Burmese themselves.

Burmese activists have criticised the forum, asserting that Thailand is motivated primarily by an interest to appear politically engaged so it can continue to do business in Burma.

But the Thai government insists this is about assisting Burma along the road to political reform.

The international community now seems split over the best way to do that.

With the detention of Aung San Suu Kyi over five months ago, the United States banned Burmese imports, the Japanese froze aid and British companies like British-American Tobacco (BAT) were pressured to withdraw from the country.

But even as a Singaporean company filled the shoes of BAT, the Indian government pledged to double trade with Rangoon and the Thais signed an economic co-operation pact.