Thailand Hopes Myanmar Issue Will Feature in ASEAN Summit Talks

Thailand has welcomed the United States’ recent initiative to step up engagement with Myanmar’s military government, expressing hope that Myanmar’s future and its role in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will be discussed at the upcoming summit in Manila. Following the 2021 military coup, Myanmar has been barred from high-level ASEAN meetings. However, representatives from Washington and Myanmar’s junta recently met in Tokyo for their second meeting within a month, signalling a notable shift in communication channels between both nations.

Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, highlighted Bangkok’s stance on avoiding Myanmar’s isolation during an interview with Reuters on Friday. He emphasised that Thailand does not want to see Myanmar become an arena for geopolitical rivalry. He further clarified that increased international engagement does not equate to legitimising the military regime, but rather aims to peacefully resolve the ongoing internal conflicts and pave the way for a viable compromise with opposition factions.

Addressing bilateral relations, Mr. Sihasak noted that Thailand and Cambodia could resolve their long-standing land and maritime border disputes within the next 12 to 18 months if mutual trust is established. The overlapping maritime claims in the Gulf of Thailand cover nearly 26,000 square kilometres, estimated to contain $300 billion worth of oil and gas reserves. Cambodia initiated a UN-backed conciliation process last June, though Mr. Sihasak acknowledged limited progress, stating Thailand prefers clear maritime boundary demarcation before discussing joint resource development.

Beyond regional security and border matters, the Thai Foreign Minister provided an update on the nation’s international trade relations, stating that negotiations for a free trade agreement between Thailand and Europe have reached their final stages. Provided there is sufficient political will from both sides, Bangkok expects the landmark trade deal to be concluded by the end of this year. Mr. Sihasak also hinted at an evolving dynamic within ASEAN, noting recent diplomatic visits by Myanmar’s leadership to several member states ahead of the Manila discussions.

Source: Reuters