Thai FM: Gradual ASEAN Readmission for Myanmar Supported, Border Talks with Cambodia Remain Open

Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeaw revealed after attending the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Manila, Philippines, that the meeting discussed regional situations and global challenges. Thailand reiterated ASEAN's role as a central force for peace and security, proposing close cooperation among all nations to tackle various crises. Regarding the situation in Myanmar, Mr. Sihasak stated that Thailand continues to maintain interaction with all parties while pushing for ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus. He believes that building peace and reconciliation takes time and cannot be achieved in the short term. He proposed that ASEAN set concrete indicators for progress, such as opening humanitarian access, facilitating the ASEAN Special Envoy's meetings with key persons, and advancing the domestic dialogue process. He added that if Myanmar shows positive developments and adheres to the Five-Point Consensus, ASEAN should respond gradually, including considering allowing Myanmar to participate in some ASEAN mechanisms. He emphasized that this approach is not about legitimizing the Myanmar government but about supporting progress toward peace. On the Thai-Cambodian border issue, Mr. Sihasak reaffirmed Thailand's approach of continuing bilateral negotiations on both land and maritime borders. He stressed that Thailand has never closed the door to negotiations, but it was Cambodia that chose to bring the dispute into the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) process, bypassing the joint consultation channels previously agreed upon by both sides. He reiterated that Thailand remains ready to negotiate under the framework of the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and believes that discussions on maritime borders can link to discussions on land borders. However, building mutual trust is a crucial condition, especially the resolution of issues such as landmines, transnational crime, and call center scams, which are security concerns that must be addressed concurrently. Mr. Sihasak also commented on the tense situation in the Middle East, stating that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is closely monitoring the situation after the outbreak of renewed hostilities. He assessed the readiness of the Thai Embassy in the area and prepared evacuation plans for Thai nationals if the situation necessitates. He affirmed that the government is prepared to ensure the safety of Thai citizens abroad. Furthermore, Mr. Sihasak addressed the criticism regarding Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul singing "Tian Mi Mi" during an official visit to China. He viewed it as a friendly atmosphere at a reception and suggested it should not be politicized, as it could overshadow the successful outcomes of the visit, which included meetings with Chinese leaders and concrete economic and investment cooperation with the private sector of both countries. Source: INN News