ASEAN-led Approach Vital To Myanmar's Peace, Says Thai Foreign Minister

By Voon Miaw Ping

KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 (Bernama) -- Thailand’s Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa emphasised that sustained, inclusive, and ASEAN-led mechanisms are crucial and must remain central in all diplomatic efforts to resolving the quagmire in Myanmar.

He said ASEAN must continue its constructive engagement with Myanmar, noting that efforts spearheaded by Thailand, and Malaysia as ASEAN Chair 2025, have led to significant breakthrough despite the slow pace of mediation process with the junta.

He said Thailand has taken a constructive approach on Myanmar by engaging in meaningful dialogues.

“Thailand is trying to change the mindset, from a negative (perception) into positive collaboration,” he told Bernama in a special interview on the sideline of the 46th ASEAN Summit and related summits in the capital.

The minister saw recent crackdowns on online scam syndicates operating in Myanmar and the aftermath of a recent earthquake as starting points to strengthen such negotiations.

“Transnational crime is a major concern for Myanmar’s neighbours, and addressing it requires active cooperation from Myanmar.

“This is the beginning of a platform where Myanmar and neighbouring countries can exchange ideas and work together to tackle such issues,” he said.

Maris highlighted a recent breakthrough in the mediation process that demonstrated ASEAN’s resolve under Malaysia’s leadership.

He highlighted the participation of Myanmar Foreign Minister U Than Swe in a virtual emergency meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers, chaired by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, in response to the earthquake.

It marked the first time a Myanmar political leader participated in the regional bloc’s meeting since the 2021 coup.

Following the meeting, Mohamed and Maris jointly led a humanitarian mission to Nay Pyi Taw to assess the post-quake situation, where they also consulted with Chairman of Myanmar’s State Administration Council (SAC), Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and Than Shwe.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also initiated a meeting with Aung Hlaing and held an online dialogue with the National Unity Government Prime Minister Mahn Winn Khaing Thann during his visit to Bangkok in April, marking a significant step towards fostering direct engagement between the conflicting parties.

“All these efforts are taken under the name of ASEAN. This is a breakthrough. We should keep this momentum, (open) opportunities for Myanmar to talk to us (ASEAN) constructively in order to bring about a durable solution in an ASEAN way,” Maris said.

“Of course, the problem has long history of difficulties, but I believe that this is the very beginning. It will take time, but we are hopeful that the positive outcome will emerge," he added.

A military coup on February 1, 2021 ousted the democratically elected National Unity Government led by Aung San Suu Kyi and plunged the country, which was already embroiled in decades of turmoil, into deeper unrest.

Over 6,000 lives have been reported lost to this ongoing armed conflict.

A devastating earthquake on March 28, 2025, aggravated the crisis and prompted the junta to extend ceasefire until May 31 to facilitate relief efforts.

For their part, ASEAN leaders have adopted a Five-Point Consensus (5PC) in April 2021 after the military coup to serve as primary framework to resolve the crisis. 

The consensus calls for an immediate cessation of violence, inclusive dialogue among all parties, the appointment of a special envoy, the delivery of humanitarian assistance, and for the envoy to be granted access to all stakeholders in Myanmar.

Despite its significance, implementation of the consensus has largely stalled due to the junta's continued non-compliance, with the issue remaining a major concern in ASEAN’s ongoing engagement with Myanmar.

As the result, Myanmar leaders are barred from ASEAN summits and ministerial-levels meetings, with the country represented only by non-political officials.

ASEAN leaders have repeatedly urged Myanmar to recommit to the 5PC, reiterating that the framework remains the central reference to restore peace and stability.

Mohamad emphasised that full compliance with the 5PC is a prerequisite for holding elections in Myanmar, consistent with ASEAN’s position that such discussions can only proceed after the consensus has been implemented.

Mohamad said he planned to visit Myanmar to formally present a ‘wish list’ gathered from various stakeholders to the SAC.

-- BERNAMA