DEPUTY Prime Minister/Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said last evening (Nov. 3) that he plans to visit Myanmar on Nov. 12, ahead of Asean summit, and will raise concerns about clashes between Myanmar military and resistance groups impacting Thailand with the aim of de-escalating the years-long fighting, PPTVHD36 said.
Sihasak, who is currently in Beijing, China, to attend the 11th Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, also held a 10-minute phone conversation with Myanmar Foreign Minister Tin Maung Swe, as he was en route to Belarus, about the impact of the fighting along the border on Thailand that has led to Thai citizens getting injured.
He emphasised aircraft should only strike resistance operational bases as far away from the Thai border as possible.
Sihasak said another key topic discussed was Thailand’s ongoing efforts to facilitate Myanmar’s return to full participation within Asean. This implies that the Myanmar side must also respond to Asean’s concerns. Specifically, Asean wishes to see a de-escalation of violence in Myanmar as this would help foster a conducive atmosphere for dialogue and the reconciliation process essential for peace in Myanmar.
Should progress be made in these areas, it would provide a positive basis for Asean leaders to deliberate during the upcoming summit on how to move forward regarding the situation in Myanmar and the country’s future engagement in Asean meetings.
“Thailand recognises the importance of bringing Myanmar back into the Asean fold. However, for this to happen, Myanmar must address various concerns—not only those of Asean, but also those shared by the broader international community. We have conveyed these points to the Myanmar Foreign Minister,” Sihasak said.
Sihasak noted that during his planned one-day visit to Myanmar on Nov. 12, ahead of the Asean summit scheduled for Nov.15–17, a key topic for discussion will be the need to prevent the conflict from escalating in a way that impacts Thailand. Furthermore, it is crucial that the level of violence within Myanmar be reduced.
In addition to meeting with the Myanmar Foreign Minister, efforts are underway to arrange a meeting with Chairman Min Aung Hlaing. This will be a central point of discussion with the Myanmar leadership, as Thailand seeks to understand their latest position. This then will be discussed with other Asean foreign ministers, as they are tasked with providing recommendations regarding Myanmar to the Asean leaders ahead of the Asean summit.
When asked how the Myanmar Foreign Minister responded to the concerns raised, Sihasak said he acknowledged the issues and understood Thailand’s position, promising to relay these concerns to Myanmar’s leadership.
He noted that, regarding current military operations, the Myanmar side appears to be attempting to avoid any actions that might impact Thailand. Thailand has already lodged a protest, specifically, the military has clearly conveyed Thailand’s concerns, emphasising that such incidents should not occur.
CAPTIONS:
Top and Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow. Photo – PPTVHD36
Insert – Thai troops guard Thai-Myanmar border at Mae Sot, Tak province. Photo – Amarin TV
Also read:
Thai tourism faces an uphill battle as Vietnam grabs bigger market share
Abhisit’s cellphone likely to be tracked by Pegasus spyware
People’s seeking public donations in cash to cover costs of censure debate
Panic as whirlwind hits Phuket’s Kata beach
Rukchanok’s libel lawsuit over fake news on Anutin’s tea money no cause for concern: Nattapong
Zhang Family’s asset foreclosure recommended pending probe
DSI urged to crack down on Shuffle casino suspects in Thailand
Ex-Move Forward member nabbed for mudslinging Anutin with 7-million-baht tea money
Klatham MPs tipped to get ‘dismissed’, then skip over to Bhumjaithai
