Thai PM Paetongtarn Calls On ASEAN For Unified Action To Address Myanmar Crisis

By Kenny Teng Khoon Hock

VIENTIANE, Oct 9 (Bernama) -- Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra called on ASEAN to deliver a unified message to all parties in Myanmar, urging them to abandon military solutions and engage in meaningful dialogue to address the worsening crisis.

She underscored the urgent need for a peaceful, stable and unified Myanmar, a goal that aligns with the interests of all countries in the region.

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"It is important to bring parties back to the political process and find a solution. Opening up more political space and dialogue between parties are vital, as Myanmar moves forward with elections next year," she said during the closed-door session of the 45th ASEAN Summit’s retreat at the National Convention Centre here on Wednesday.

"To achieve this objective, Thailand has pledged to intensify its bilateral engagements with Myanmar and actively support the ASEAN-led peace process," she said.

The prime minister’s speech was shared by Thai government's spokesperson Jirayu Houngsab.

Paetongtarn also highlighted the profound impact of Myanmar’s instability on Thailand, including the influx of displaced persons, illegal migration, and disruptions to trade and livelihoods.

She commended the efforts of Laos as the current ASEAN chair, particularly the role of Special Envoy Alounkeo Kittikhoun, and expressed Thailand’s readiness to collaborate closely with Malaysia as the incoming chair.

Paetongtarn also addressed the increasing threat of transnational crimes in the region, including narcotics trafficking and online scams, and called for stronger ASEAN cooperation to counter these challenges.

-- BERNAMA