Bangkok offers to facilitate Myanmar ethnic talks without interference

Thailand stands ready to facilitate local-level contacts with Myanmar’s ethnic groups along the border, if requested, in order to help bring peace to Myanmar, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkaew said today.

Thailand is not trying to persuade the two sides to talk, as it is up to Myanmar to initiate internal dialogue first, Sihasak said, adding that peace in Myanmar must come from internal reconciliation.

Sihasak was speaking after hosting informal talks with his Myanmar counterpart, Than Swe, in Phuket.

The Thai minister quoted Than Swe as saying that Myanmar’s recent elections proceeded smoothly and that a new government is expected to be formed before the Songkran period.

Sihasak said Myanmar is in the process of forming a new government, followed by the establishment of a parliament and appointments to key posts, including president, prime minister and commander-in-chief, with greater decentralisation of power.

The incoming administration, he said, aims to restore stability and pursue national reconciliation, and is open to dialogue with opposition groups, including ethnic armed organisations and pro-democracy forces.

Sihasak said concrete steps such as initiating dialogue, allowing humanitarian access, reducing violence and limiting attacks on civilians would send positive signals and help pave the way for Myanmar’s reintegration.

Thailand wishes to see sustainable peace and stability in Myanmar, which would benefit Thailand’s national security as well as bilateral economic cooperation.

Thailand, Sihasak said, is also prepared to act as a bridge to help Myanmar re-engage with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but Myanmar must demonstrate responsiveness to ASEAN and the international community.

He added that Bangkok’s policy is to revive direct engagement between ASEAN and Myanmar in line with the bloc’s five-point consensus.

“Thailand is willing to help in any way we can, especially in supporting dialogue, but we will not dictate what should be discussed. Ultimately, peace talks must come from within Myanmar itself,” Sihasak said.

Sihasak noted that progress on the five-point consensus has been limited over the past five years, and Thailand hopes to see gradual but tangible movement forward.

The two sides also discussed strengthening cooperation along their more than 2,400-kilometre border to combat transnational crime, particularly online scam operations and illicit drug production.

They agreed to work together on addressing river pollution through the establishment of joint working groups.

On economic cooperation, Sihasak said both countries discussed reviving border trade at major crossings, including the Mae Sot–Myawaddy route, where repairs to the AH1 road are under way.

Greater engagement between Myanmar authorities and ethnic groups, he said, would further facilitate the reopening of border trade.

He added that Myanmar has significant economic potential and that Thai private companies remain interested in investing there, but face certain constraints.

Possible easing measures include direct trade using the kyat and baht, reviewing official exchange-rate requirements, and adjusting market rates to better reflect real values.

Energy cooperation was also discussed, with Thailand’s state energy firm PTT expressing interest in expanding energy development in Myanmar.