Myanmar's peace is crucial to ASEAN, says Anutin

Photo – Thai Prime Minister delivers a speech at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Tuesday. Khaosod Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said that Thailand's efforts to gradually re-engage with Myanmar are beginning to yield results. He pointed to the International Committee of the Red Cross's (ICRC) recent meeting with Myanmar's detained leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, as a positive development. Anutin delivered a speech at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Tuesday, presenting Thailand's vision for the future of ASEAN. He told diplomats that ASEAN must maintain the unity of its member states while also being able to respond more effectively to regional challenges. More than 100 ambassadors, permanent representatives, and diplomats attended the speech. Regarding the Myanmar issue, Anutin said that ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus remains the bloc's main framework for resolving the Myanmar crisis. He added that the policy of "calibrated re-engagement" with the Myanmar authorities (the military junta) should continue. Anutin explained that the purpose of this policy is to keep channels of dialogue open, maintain contact with stakeholders, consider the realities on the ground, and encourage practical progress. "I believe this approach is moving in the right direction," Anutin said, referring to the ICRC's meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi on Monday. He added that this was the first time a humanitarian organization had been allowed to visit Aung San Suu Kyi since her detention. Thailand has always supported such engagements and hopes for further positive developments, he added. Anutin reiterated that Myanmar becoming a peaceful and stable country is crucial not only for the national interests of neighboring Thailand but also for ASEAN's unity and regional stability. Khaosod's ANUTIN SAYS PEACE IN MYANMAR CRUCIAL TO ASEAN translated by Moe Thet.