Ex-Thai DPM Commends Anwar’s Proactive Approach To Myanmar Crisis

From Vijian Paramasivam

PHNOM PENH, May 26 (Bernama) -- Former Thai Deputy Prime Minister Prof Dr Surakiart Sathirathai has praised Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for taking a proactive approach as ASEAN Chair 2025 in efforts to help resolve the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.

“ASEAN countries should support Anwar in convincing all sides in Myanmar to initiate a real ceasefire. And convince all sides to have an inclusive dialogue.

bootstrap slideshow

“The Myanmar government would have to look at ways and means to include all parties involved in the conflict and the opposition groups would have to also think of how they can be more practical,” Surakiart, who is also former Thai Foreign Minister, told Bernama in an interview from Bangkok.

Anwar had met Myanmar military leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and held online dialogue with National Unity Government Prime Minister Mahn Winn Khaing Thann during his visit to Bangkok in April.

“I call it principled pragmatism,” Surakiart added.

The veteran politician served as Thailand’s deputy prime minister between 2005 and 2006 and was the foreign minister from 2001 to 2005.

He is currently the chairman of the Asian Peace and Reconciliation Council, a non-governmental organisation that gathers thought leaders and experts on security, peace and conflict management for peace and reconciliation in Asia.

Surakiart also urged ASEAN to play a more constructive role in the forthcoming election or it will be a futile attempt to promote democratic values and end the civil war. 

“The role of the ASEAN Chair would be very important to convince the Tatmadaw (armed forces) that an election without inclusive dialogue will not lead to sustainable peace. If there's no sustainable peace, it cannot have a democracy, we cannot resolve the humanitarian assistance issue.

“The root causes of conflicts in Myanmar are not only (about) democracy but it is ethnic, it is historical, it is deep-rooted,” he said.

 The military-led government plans to hold an election either in December or January next year. 

Surakiart said ASEAN and neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, China and India have to support the nation’s desire - “Myanmar-led, Myanmar-owned has to be for the Myanmar people” - to achieve sustainable peace. 

ASEAN leaders are now gathered in Kuala Lumpur for the 46th ASEAN Summit and related summits under Malaysia’s 2025 chairmanship theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability” to discuss various pressing regional and international issues, with the situation in Myanmar being one of the key topics discussed.

-- BERNAMA