Government clarifies its role in bringing together the Myanmar junta captain and the Malay prime minister.
Thailand’s role in the recent discussions between Asean head Malaysia and the Myanmar junta in Bangkok is completely that of a coach, the authorities stated on Friday.
One eminent scientific, however, questioned the lack of quality brought about by this week’s meeting and demanded more thorough conclusions in their upcoming discussions.
According to Nikorndej Balankura, a spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ( MFA ), the meeting on Thursday marked the first official sit-down between Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Snr Gen Min Aung Hlaing.
According to Mr. Nikorndej, it was started at Mr. Anwar’s ask, adding that Thailand and Malaysia reached out to arrange things there.
Mr. Nikorndej said the gathering reflected Thailand’s commitment to maintaining good relations with its neighbors as well as Malaysia and Myanmar’s mutual trust in engaging in creative dialogue.
Asean’s role in delivering humanitarian assistance to Myanmar’s recently devasted disaster and supporting efforts to bring back harmony in the troubled nation, he said, was the focus of the debate.
He claimed that while addressing those humanitarian requirements is important, a quiet decision must be given precedence in order to stabilize Myanmar and provide for the country’s continued assistance.
” This meeting represents a good first step for Asean in engaging with Myanmar,” said Mr. Nikorndej.
Mr. Anwar wrote in a concept that was posted on Instagram on Friday that he had discussed the situation and called for the peace to be extended to allow the people of Myanmar to receive humanitarian aid. He expressed his support for this endeavor.
This sentiment was shared in my interactions with the Asean chair’s Informal Advisory Group led by Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra, as well as in a virtual meeting with U Mahn Win Khaing Than of the National Unity Government ( NUG).
Asean must make sure that all parties in Myanmar are heard, adding that the future of Myanmar must be decided by the people rather than by any one party.
Gratis from any disturbance, I will be presentation fellow Asean officials on these initiatives, which I believe are most effective when implemented within Asean’s model.
Trust-building is still necessary, and it is crucial that Asean continues to lead this endeavor. We will continue to work with all parties to promote harmony, coexistence, and the well-being of Myanmar’s citizens, he declared.
The response to the regional appointment has been mixed.
Asean had formerly avoided engaged with the dictatorship, but Panitan Wattanayagorn, an expert in international relations, claimed that this meeting signaled a change in his stance toward the Myanmar military.
Thailand and Malaysia have previously held contradictory views on this. Malaysia opposed it, he claimed, despite Thailand’s demands for engagement with the Tatmadaw ( Myanmar military ).
He claimed that Mr. Anwar’s chairperson’s position highlights the value of dialogue and humanitarian assistance, even though his position does not fully reflect Asean’s.
Mr. Panitan even viewed Mr. Anwar’s diplomatic partnership with the Tatmadaw and the NUG as a fruitful one.
He noted that no other president had been successful in collaborating with all functions.
He raised questions about the meeting’s plan, participants, and goals, which stifled public opinion of Thailand’s management.
Some ethnic groups in the country disapprove of the meeting, which critics claim gave very little attention to the Myanmar junta head.
He argued that Thailand does take a more proactive approach by setting up more organized meetings, set aside time, and set goals.
According to Mr. Panitan, these discussions should lead to clear and important benefits, such as a peace or more equitable speech, which would help cement Thailand’s position as a power seller in the region.