Thai FM phones Myanmar counterpart after border fighting injures Thais

Bangkok – Thailand has urged Myanmar to ensure its military actions against ethnic groups do not impact Thai territory following clashes near the border that resulted in Thai citizens being injured. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow discussed this matter with Myanmar’s Foreign Minister Tin Maung Swe on Tuesday (3 November) in a 10-minute telephone conversation. Sihasak raised the issue during his visit to Beijing, China, for the 11th Mekong-Lancang Cooperation meeting.

He expressed Thailand’s concerns over Myanmar’s military operations near the Thai-Myanmar border, particularly airstrikes targeting military positions. Sihasak stressed that such operations should not affect Thailand and that airstrikes should be carried out as far from the border as possible. He also highlighted the broader situation in Myanmar, emphasizing Thailand’s efforts towards Myanmar’s reintegration into ASEAN.

However, Sihasak stressed that Myanmar must address the regional bloc’s concerns, especially by reducing violence.

He further stated that a decrease in violence by all parties would create a more conducive environment for dialogue and reconciliation, which are crucial for peace in Myanmar. Sihasak also confirmed his plans to visit Myanmar on 12 November, before the ASEAN Summit on 15-17 November, to discuss measures to prevent the conflict from escalating and affecting Thailand. According to Sihasak, his Myanmar counterpart acknowledged Thailand’s concerns and promised to inform Myanmar’s leadership accordingly.