Diplomatic Offensive: Thailand Invites to Myanmar Talks

Thailand is planning two regional meetings this week concerning the situation in Myanmar. It begins with a session on Thursday, where representatives of the Myanmar junta are also expected. In October, Thailand had already offered to arrange informal talks to find a way out of the crisis that has shaken Myanmar since the military coup in 2021. Delegates from China, India, Bangladesh, Laos, and Thailand—countries that share direct borders with Myanmar—are also participating in the Thursday meeting. The focus is on an informal consultation about border security and cross-border crime. The second conference will take place on Friday at the ministerial level within the framework of ASEAN. Among other topics, the talks will address the so-called "Five-Point Consensus" for a peace solution in Myanmar. It is not yet decided whether Myanmar representatives will take part. The junta's diplomatic isolation is noteworthy: Since the coup, ASEAN has only allowed non-political representatives from Myanmar to attend leadership meetings. Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, designated ASEAN chair in 2025, meanwhile reaffirmed his intention to advance the ASEAN peace initiative. At a joint press appearance with Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Kuala Lumpur, he emphasized that dialogues at various levels should help reintegrate Myanmar more strongly into the ASEAN community. Indonesia, as confirmed by its government, is also sending a representative to the meeting on December 20. The political landscape in Myanmar is in upheaval since the coup, provoking not only internal resistance but also international concern.