Foreign minister comfy with Thaksin”s intervention in Myanmar

Previous PM’s talks with insurgent leaders personal, not part of international scheme, he says

Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa stated on Tuesday that the talks between former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and opposition groups in Myanmar were personal conversations and certainly part of the Thai administration’s policy toward neighbor.

Mr Maris did not deny the sessions between Thaksin and members of the opposition movements&nbsp, occurred. He claimed that the Thai government was unaffected and that the Myanmar authorities was in charge of it internally.

” We have to say that Mr Thaksin is properly- known and has contacts. Myanmar believes that he can help ]solve the problems ]”, he said at Government House before the weekly cabinet meeting.

” Myanmar]resistance groups ] talked to him. The state was never involved in this”, he added.

According to a source close to the former prime minister, VOA Myanmar reported on Monday that Thaksin had just met with members of the Kachin National Organization and the National Unity Government in an effort to end the armed conflict. According to VOA Myanmar, another meeting took place with the Shan State Reconstruction Council and Shan State Army head.

After armed ethnic groups seize the vital trading post in Tak, which is directly opposite Mae Sot area, peaceful informal meetings took place.

Mr Maris said Thailand‘s international policy remained intact, centred on harmony, stability&nbsp, and&nbsp, peace in Myanmar through intergovernmental relations with Myanmar and working&nbsp, alongside&nbsp, various members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Thailand had be&nbsp, immediately affected&nbsp, if the conflict was prolonged, he said. Attempts were in progress to end the conflict, he said but refused to disclose information.

Mr Maris replaced Parnpree Bahiddha- Nukara, who immediately resigned from the foreign&nbsp, matters collection after losing the article of deputy prime minister, which he held continuously, in the recent&nbsp, cabinet change. &nbsp,

The new foreign secretary has a long relationship with Thaksin and is a former&nbsp, job envoy. &nbsp,