Thai PM urges 'calibrated re-engagement' with Myanmar ahead of meeting with Min Aung Hlaing

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul advocated for a measured re-engagement with Myanmar before his meeting with Myanmar's military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, on August 6-7. The Thai leader made these remarks at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) headquarters in Jakarta following discussions with ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.

Myanmar experienced unrest in February 2021 when the military, under Min Aung Hlaing, removed the elected government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, leading to protests and a civil war that resulted in around 100,000 deaths and the displacement of millions. ASEAN subsequently barred Myanmar's high-ranking officials from attending significant political gatherings.

In his policy address, Anutin emphasized that ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus, a peace initiative for Myanmar, remains the bloc's guiding principle for conflict resolution, which involves ending violence and providing humanitarian assistance. The Thai leader advocated for a calibrated re-engagement strategy that maintains dialogue while considering the practical situation on the ground and promoting tangible advancements.

Anutin highlighted that this approach has been progressing positively since Aung San Suu Kyi met with a representative from the International Committee of the Red Cross on Monday and appeared to be in good health. He reiterated that ASEAN's principle of non-interference is essential but must be adapted to the flexibility and pragmatism necessary to maintain unity.

Analysts have cautioned that ASEAN's re-engagement with Myanmar might legitimize the military-led government. On Monday, following Anutin's meeting with Prabowo at the State Palace in Jakarta, both leaders expressed their intention to broaden cooperation in trade, investment, and business ties, with economic collaboration remaining the core of their bilateral relationship.

They also agreed to establish a Joint Trade Commission to enhance market access and fortify economic relations. Beyond economic matters, both countries pledged to strengthen political and security coordination, including joint efforts to counter transnational crime and online scams. Prabowo emphasized that Indonesia and Thailand, as founding members of ASEAN, must persist as leaders in bolstering the bloc's resilience and relevance.