Thailand Reiterates Backing for Myanmar’s Full Participation in ASEAN

Thailand and Myanmar reaffirmed cooperation for Myanmar’s ASEAN reintegration during Min Aung Hlaing’s controversial Bangkok visit. Thailand pursues “calibrated re-engagement,” rejecting legitimacy accusations while citing border realities. Agreements on labor, trade, environment were signed, though ASEAN remains divided over Myanmar’s 5PC implementation amid ongoing conflict.

Key Points

• Thailand pledged continued support for Myanmar’s reintegration into ASEAN, hosting Min Aung Hlaing’s first visit as president; both signed deals on labor, trade, and environmental cooperation despite ongoing sanctions and conflict.
• FM Sihasak defended engagement as pragmatic “calibrated re-engagement,” not legitimization, urging reduced hostilities while acknowledging no military solution exists to Myanmar’s civil war.
• Analysts note Thailand prioritizes border stability over pressuring Myanmar to implement ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus, revealing regional divisions on handling the junta.

Thailand’s Diplomatic Balancing Act

Thailand has reaffirmed its commitment to “supporting and continuing to work closely” with Myanmar for its full ASEAN reintegration, following Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing’s controversial two-day visit—his first since stepping down as military chief. Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow defended the visit, stating “it’s not about legitimacy, it’s about reality,” citing shared border challenges.

Thailand’s approach, termed “calibrated re-engagement,” proceeds independently of ASEAN consensus, though Sihasak emphasized that Myanmar’s return to ASEAN summits requires collective agreement, calling it “a two-way street.”

ASEAN’s Fractured Consensus on Myanmar

Since the 2021 coup, ASEAN has barred Myanmar’s leadership from summits, insisting on implementation of the Five-Point Consensus (5PC)—a peace plan Min Aung Hlaing claims lacks full endorsement. Five years later, divisions within ASEAN have deepened, with Thailand appearing to soften its stance while others maintain pressure.

Sihasak acknowledged “there is no military victory” in Myanmar’s conflict, urging reduced hostilities. However, analyst Wai Yan Phyo Naing suggested Thailand’s motivations center on mitigating spillover effects from Myanmar’s crisis rather than genuinely pressuring political reform, noting minimal pressure applied regarding 5PC implementation or domestic political improvements.

Economic Cooperation Amid Ongoing Conflict

Despite Myanmar’s continued sanctions and internal strife, the two nations signed three agreements covering labor cooperation and environmental protection along shared rivers. At a business forum with 700 participants, PM Anutin Charnvirakul emphasized that economic disruption must be avoided regardless of political circumstances, prioritizing employment and stability for citizens.

Min Aung Hlaing, avoiding discussion of ongoing violence, promoted investment opportunities, describing Myanmar as “a peaceful country blessed with abundant natural resources.” This contrasts sharply with reality: his administration lacks full territorial control, with resistance forces holding significant regions. The World Bank recently downgraded Myanmar’s growth forecast to 2%, reflecting the conflict’s ongoing economic toll amid the humanitarian crisis that has claimed over 100,000 lives.

Other People are Reading