Thailand urges 'calibrated re-engagement' with post-election Myanmar

Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow today called for a “calibrated re-engagement” with Myanmar’s military leadership, arguing that the regional peace plan must adapt to a new political reality following the country’s recent elections.

Speaking at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat in Cebu this morning, Sihasak reiterated that, as an immediate neighbour, Thailand has “no luxury of distance” from the quagmire, which remains one of the most immediate and complex challenges facing ASEAN.

He also warned that the bloc’s position should not be overtaken by the post-election context in Myanmar.

“We also need to make sure that the Five-Point Consensus is still relevant in this new context,” he added.

Thailand, Sihasak pointed out, views the recent election as part of the broader peace process rather than an end in itself.

At the retreat, the minister reiterated that re-engagement must be a two-way process, with clear, credible and constructive gestures from Myanmar, including the release of political detainees, a tangible reduction in violence, unhindered humanitarian access, and genuine steps towards an inclusive political process.

He said Thailand stands ready to support the work of the special envoy and to facilitate dialogue with relevant stakeholders, especially those along the Thai-Myanmar border.

Last week, Myanmar concluded a three-phase election, which was widely condemned as a sham. ASEAN did not send any observers to the polls. Malaysia, which served as the previous ASEAN chair, stated that the bloc would not recognise the election results.

The Cebu retreat will also set out the ASEAN chair’s agenda for the year ahead. The next chair will be Singapore.