Thai deputy PM holds talks with Myanmar’s new president to boost ties

Thailand’s foreign minister will pay a courtesy call on Myanmar’s new president, Min Aung Hlaing, in Naypyidaw today for talks aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, as both countries have recently formed new cabinets.

Sihasak, also deputy prime minister, is the highest-ranking ASEAN official to meet Min Aung Hlaing following his election as president earlier this month.

Sihasak and his delegation arrived in Naypyidaw at about 7.30pm yesterday and were welcomed by Myanmar’s Deputy Foreign Minister Ko Ko Kyaw.

Today, Sihasak will meet President Min Aung Hlaing at the Presidential Palace.

He will then lead Thai private sector representatives in a meeting with Vice President Nyo Saw, hold talks with Than Swe, a member of the Union Advisory Council, and meet Myanmar’s Foreign Minister Tin Maung Swe, before returning to Thailand at 6pm.

The visit comes amid reports that the new president has invited armed resistance groups to fresh peace talks.

Recently, the Myanmar government reduced the sentences of former leader Aung San Suu Kyi, as part of an amnesty granted by Min Aung Hlaing during Thingyan (New Year).

He also granted amnesty to 4,335 prisoners, including Win Myint, a former president under the National League for Democracy, according to state broadcaster MRTV.

After the 2021 coup, ASEAN barred Myanmar’s leaders from attending ASEAN-related summits. The bloc has consistently urged the Naypyidaw regime to implement the five-point consensus, which includes a ceasefire, political dialogue and humanitarian assistance.

ASEAN has not recognised the outcome of the election. Sihasak’s visit could be seen as tantamount to official recognition of the new government by Thailand.