BANGKOK: Thailand will host an informal meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations this week to discuss the latest situation in strife-torn Myanmar and the way forward.
The gathering of foreign ministers of interested member countries of the bloc known as Asean will also look at the implementation of the so-called Five-Point Consensus meant to help end the civil war that’s marked the military regime’s rule since a coup in 2021.
Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa (pic) will attend the meeting, Nikorndej Balankura, a spokesman for the ministry, said in a statement Monday (Dec 16).
Thailand is taking the lead in finding a diplomatic solution to the Myanmar crisis as it shares a long border and sources a significant amount of oil and gas from the country. Mounting clashes between junta and ethnic minority militias and pro-democracy fighters have also forced people to seek shelter along the border periodically, posing challenges for Thai authorities.
A day before the Asean ministerial consultation on Myanmar, Bangkok will also host a six-nation informal meeting "focusing on border security and transnational crimes, especially narcotic drugs and online scams networks,” Nikorndej said.
The countries invited to the talks are China, India, Bangladesh, Laos and Myanmar.
"Hosting this meeting reflects Thailand’s constructive role in fostering candid discussions between relevant countries on ways to promote closer cooperation to tackle issues of common concern or interest,” Nikorndej said.
Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing made a rare trip to China last month to secure its backing in his efforts to stabilize the country amid reports of Beijing’s growing impatience with the clashes hurting its economic and business interests. The Chinese consulate in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-biggest city, was attacked with an explosive device in October.
More than 6,000 civilians have been killed since the coup with about 21,000 people still in junta custody since the coup that saw the arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi and other civilian leaders, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. - Bloomberg
