ASEAN reaffirms engagement with Myanmar, seeks to advance peace plan

ASEAN nations are under pressure ahead of their summit, which commences on November 15 in Manila, to permit Myanmar's military-backed leaders to attend high-level meetings again. This comes as Thailand and other members have increased engagement with Myanmar despite the country's ongoing civil war. Myanmar has been barred from ASEAN summits and foreign ministers' meetings since a military coup in 2021, which led to a five-year ban on the country's participation.

Despite this, several ASEAN members, including Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Malaysia, have welcomed Myanmar's military chief, Min Aung Hlaing, on official visits. Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow expressed hope that sufficient progress could lead to Myanmar's Foreign Minister participating in ASEAN meetings by Thailand's chairmanship in 2028 at the latest.

The bloc will review its decision to exclude Myanmar at the summit, with leaders expected to issue a document assessing the Five-Point Consensus' implementation. Analysts argue that the consensus, which emphasizes an end to violence, inclusive dialogue, humanitarian assistance, and mediation, has become outdated given the ongoing civil war and lack of progress in implementing the consensus.

Myanmar's civilian leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, remains detained, and no foreign leader or envoy has been able to visit her in house arrest. Thailand has offered to facilitate talks between Myanmar's government and ethnic armed groups along its border, but progress remains elusive. ASEAN's future engagement with Myanmar hinges on collective agreement on conditions, with options ranging from maintaining restrictions to appointing a permanent envoy.