Thailand pushes for Myanmar junta’s return to ASEAN

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - Thailand is seeking the Myanmar junta’s return to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said on Wednesday.

Bangkok is prepared to act as a “bridge” to help Myanmar re-engage with ASEAN, but Naypyidaw must demonstrate responsiveness to both ASEAN and the international community, Phuangketkeow said, according to state broadcaster Thai PBS World.

Following the military coup in Myanmar in 2021, ASEAN excluded Naypyidaw from its annual meetings.

Ethnic clashes in Myanmar have intensified since then, as the country remains engulfed in civil conflict five years after the coup. Thousands have been killed, and nearly three million displaced due to fighting between the junta and opposition groups, according to rights monitors.

Phuangketkeow said Thailand’s policy is to revive direct engagement between ASEAN and Myanmar in line with the bloc’s five-point consensus, which urges an end to violence and promotes inclusive dialogue.

Bangkok “is willing to help in any way we can, especially in supporting dialogue, but we will not dictate what should be discussed. Ultimately, peace talks must come from within Myanmar itself,” Phuangketkeow added.

The remarks came after informal talks with his Myanmar counterpart, Than Swe, in southern Thailand’s Phuket.

During the talks, the two sides discussed enhancing cooperation along their 2,400-kilometer (1,500-mile) border to combat transnational crime.

Phuangketkeow also expressed Bangkok’s willingness to facilitate contacts at the local level with Myanmar’s ethnic groups along the border, if requested, to promote peace in Myanmar.

“It is up to Myanmar to initiate internal dialogue first,” he said, emphasizing that peace must come from internal reconciliation.
“Thailand wishes to see sustainable peace and stability in Myanmar, which would benefit Thailand’s national security as well as bilateral economic cooperation,” Phuangketkeow said.

Concrete steps such as initiating dialogue, allowing humanitarian access, reducing violence, and limiting attacks on civilians would send positive signals and help pave the way for Myanmar’s reintegration, he added.

ASEAN’s current members are Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste.