Anutin: Myanmar Stability Key to ASEAN Unity, Regional Peace

JAKARTA, Indonesia — Thai Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Tuesday that a peaceful and stable Myanmar is crucial for ASEAN's unity and regional stability, as his country's policy of gradual re-engagement with the junta-ruled nation begins to show positive signs. Speaking at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, Anutin highlighted the recent visit by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to detained former Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi as a positive development, noting it was the first known access granted to the humanitarian organization since her detention. Anutin reaffirmed that ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus remains the bloc's main framework for addressing the crisis in Myanmar. However, he argued that the association should continue its policy of "calibrated re-engagement" with Myanmar's authorities. This approach, he explained, seeks to keep dialogue channels open, maintain engagement with stakeholders, and respond to realities on the ground while encouraging tangible progress. "The approach appears to be moving in the right direction," Anutin said, adding that Thailand had consistently advocated for such engagement and hoped to see further positive developments. A peaceful and stable Myanmar is not only in Thailand's national interest as a neighboring country but also essential to ASEAN unity and regional stability, he stated. Anutin also mentioned that Thailand and Cambodia had agreed to restore mutual trust and continue bilateral dialogue, reaffirming Thailand's commitment to resolving differences peacefully and in accordance with international law. Beyond Myanmar, Anutin proposed three priorities for ASEAN: strengthening regionalism, building greater resilience against geopolitical and economic uncertainty, and ensuring the bloc delivers tangible benefits to its people. He also called for reinforcing supply chain, food, and energy security, accelerating digital connectivity, and deepening cooperation with middle powers and countries in the Global South to preserve the region's strategic autonomy. Anutin noted that his speech at the ASEAN Secretariat was the first by a Thai prime minister in 17 years, and that next year's 60th anniversary of ASEAN would provide an opportunity to chart a new course for the regional bloc, with Thailand ready to play a leading role. The post Anutin says peace in Myanmar crucial to ASEAN appeared first on Khaosod English.