Thailand Outlines Four Key Positions On Myanmar 

By Aisha Hani Nor Azmir

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25 (Bernama) -- Thailand has outlined four key positions in regards to the situation in Myanmar, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura said.

The four positions are to provide humanitarian assistance as an essential pathway toward inclusive dialogue and lasting peace in Myanmar; to call for inclusive, fair and transparent elections, while maintaining dialogue beyond the elections as part of the peace process;

To support in promoting constructive engagement with ASEAN member states, among Myanmar stakeholders, and the bloc's external partners; and to enhance the effectiveness and continuity of ASEAN’s mechanism on the Special Envoy on Myanmar.

Nikorndej said this at a media conference after the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held ahead of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits starting Oct 26.

Yesterday, Thailand, represented by its Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, also attended a meeting on an extended informal consultation on the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus (5PC).

Elaborating on Myanmar’s upcoming general election, Nikorndej said Thailand has consistently supported the need for an inclusive and transparent electoral process, stressing that it is a crucial element to the peace process in Myanmar.

He noted that although Thailand viewed Myanmar’s election as an internal decision, it is important to engage with Myanmar to ensure that the upcoming polls are as inclusive as possible.

Such engagement, he said, should include sending observers from ASEAN member countries.

Nikorndej also said Thailand supports sending election observers.

“However, one has to be mindful that observing is not endorsing. Observe means we might need that to ensure transparency and inclusiveness and safety of the elections, and it has nothing to do with crediting the election itself,” he said.

Myanmar’s authority has announced that the general election will begin on Dec 28.

Meanwhile, Nikorndej said the meeting had not concluded on the idea of extending the term of the Special Envoy on Myanmar. 

“It is subject to further discussions, but in general, there is a general support for this idea,” he said. 

The Special Envoy of ASEAN Chair on Myanmar was created in 2021 as part of the 5PC, aimed at addressing the crisis in Myanmar following the military coup in February that year.

The envoy's role includes supporting the implementation of the 5PC, facilitating dialogue among parties and coordinating humanitarian aid delivery to Myanmar.

-- BERNAMA