Thailand Welcomes US Engagement with Myanmar Ahead of ASEAN Summit

Key summary

Thai Foreign Minister Sidsak Phuangketkavee expressed support for US involvement in Myanmar's political process, noting that the United States and the military-backed government held talks in Tokyo two weeks ago. The minister emphasized that such engagement aims to promote peaceful conflict resolution rather than legitimizing the regime. He highlighted a shift in ASEAN's stance following President Min Aung Hlaing's recent visits to Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia, though it remains unclear if the upcoming November summit in Manila will address Myanmar's full restoration of representation. Additionally, Thai officials discussed potential resolutions for long-standing maritime and land border disputes with Cambodia within 12-18 months, citing overlapping claims over approximately 26,000 square kilometers in the Gulf of Thailand containing estimated resources worth $300 billion. The Free Trade Agreement negotiations between Thailand and the European Union are also nearing completion.