Thailand Welcomes US Re-engagement with Myanmar Ahead of ASEAN Summit

Key summary

Thai Foreign Minister Sissak Phuangketkavee told Reuters on Friday that Thailand welcomes the return of US interaction with Myanmar, anticipating discussions at the upcoming November ASEAN summit in Manila regarding next steps for the country. The minister emphasized that such engagement aims to support peaceful conflict resolution and reconciliation rather than legitimizing the military government, noting recent talks held in Tokyo between the US and the Myanmar junta. Separately, Minister Sissak expressed optimism that Thailand and Cambodia could resolve their long-standing land and maritime border disputes within 12 to 18 months, provided mutual trust is rebuilt and security concerns along the land border are addressed. Regarding the maritime dispute, which covers an overlapping claim area of approximately 26,000 square kilometers in the Gulf of Thailand estimated to hold oil and gas resources worth around $300 billion, Sissak stated that Thailand insists on defining clear borders before discussing resource sharing. He also noted that free trade agreement negotiations between Thailand and the EU are nearing completion and could be finalized by year-end if political will exists.