Myanmar pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, whose detention since May 30 has sparked international outrage, may be freed within the next two weeks, a Bangkok newspaper reported on Friday.

A Myanmar resident in Japan carries a portrait of pro-democracy opposition leader icon Aung San Suu Kyi during a protest outside the Myanmar Embassy in Tokyo, July 30, 2003.  [Reuters]

A Thai general commanding troops near the Thai-Myanmar border said he had been told by his Myanmar counterparts that the Yangon military junta was ready to free Suu Kyi, detained after a clash between her supporters and pro-government youths.

"I have received a good signal from Burma about the planned release of the opposition leader," the Bangkok Post quoted Lieutenant-General Picharnmet Muangmanee as saying.

He said Suu Kyi's release might coincide with a regional border committee meeting from August 22 to 24 to discuss drug suppression and other border issues.

"She will probably be freed during the RBC meeting," Picharnmet, who will co-chair the meeting, was quoted as saying.

He was not immediately available to confirm the report.

Myanmar's military, which has ruled since a 1962 coup, has so far ignored Western sanctions and an unprecedented public rebuke from its Southeast Asian neighbors for holding Suu Kyi.

She has been kept in a secret location -- for her own protection, the government says -- since the end of May.

Myanmar's foreign minister said last week the government was isolating Suu Kyi to prevent political anarchy which could destroy the country and would free her when the situation cooled.

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