Thailand accused of ‘piggybacking’ Myanmar, sidelining Asean by leading talks with junta

Several Asean member states are believed to be upset with Thailand for organising direct talks with Myanmar

Thailand has valid concerns over rising crime and the influx of refugees in the regions bordering Myanmar, analysts say

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Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand step on a picture of junta chief General Min Aung Hlaing at a rally in Bangkok on Sunday. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 6:30pm, 21 Dec 2023

Thailand’s offer to lead engagement with the military junta in Myanmar has raised questions about its agenda in dealing with its neighbour’s ongoing civil conflict and commitment towards Asean unity.

By acting independently of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Thailand is giving the impression that the kingdom is propping up Myanmar’s regime even though it has valid concerns over rising crime and the influx of refugees in its border regions, analysts say.

Last week, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said his country should take charge within Asean in discussions with Myanmar as “we are the nation that is closest to them”.

Pointing to their shared 2,000km border – plus the refugee situation and rampant drug trafficking brought on by the conflict – Srettha said “it’s appropriate” for Thailand to take the initiative.

Thailand has been dealing with the fallout from the 2021 military coup in Myanmar, with about 45,000 refugees fleeing across the border since then, putting pressure on its northwestern provinces.

Greg Raymond, a senior lecturer at the Australian National University (ANU), said Thailand is prepared to “act outside of Asean official policy”, citing the visit to Bangkok in June by Myanmar’s foreign minister Than Shwe.

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