Govt clarifies his position in the dictatorship speaks in Myanmar.
Thailand’s role in the recent discussions between Asean head Malaysia and the Myanmar junta in Bangkok was solely that of a coach, the authorities stated on Friday.
However, a prominent academic has questioned the lack of quality brought on by this year’s gathering and demanded more thorough results 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 demand, adding that Thailand and Malaysia reached up to negotiate in order to arrange the arrangement.
Mr. Nikorndej said the gathering reflected Thailand’s commitment to maintaining good relations with its neighbors as well as Malaysia’s mutual trust in engaging in creative dialogue.
The conversations were open and focused on Asean’s role in assisting charitable efforts to stop the recent earthquake in Myanmar and support efforts to end the conflict-torn nation, he said.
He claimed that while addressing those humanitarian requirements is important, a peaceful resolution 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 its relationship with Myanmar, according to Mr. Nikorndej.
Mr. Anwar wrote in a concept that was posted on Instagram on Friday that he had also discussed the results of my meeting with Snr. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, in which I called for the end to hostilities and the start of a ceasefire to help the people of Myanmar. 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 can be heard, adding that the country’s future may be decided by its citizens. Peace is not a privilege of any one party.
I’ll get informing other Asean leaders about these initiatives, which I believe are most effective when implemented within Asean’s framework and without any impediment.
Trust-building is still crucial, and Asean’s leadership is necessary. 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 recently avoided engaged with the coup, but Panitan Wattanayagorn, an expert in international relations, claimed that this meeting signaled a change in his stance toward the Myanmar military.
In the past, Thailand and Malaysia 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 head position highlights the value of dialogue and humanitarian assistance, even though his does not fully reflect Asean’s.
Mr. Panitan even viewed Mr. Anwar’s political 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 command.
Some tribal groups in the nation disapprove of the meeting, according to Mr. Panitan, who added that some of the country’s minority groups claim gave too much 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.