According to Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara, Thailand has declared neutrality in the conflict in Myanmar and is prepared to accommodate up to 100,000 displaced individuals as a result of the unrest. The announcement was made on Tuesday ahead of a Thai cabinet meeting to address the escalating situation in Myanmar, with Parnpree calling for warring factions to engage in dialogue to achieve peace.
Myanmar is currently facing multiple insurgencies, with anti-junta groups aligned with a pro-democracy parallel government seizing control of various military installations and towns, including parts of a key border town with Thailand. This marks the most significant challenge to the Myanmar junta since the 2021 coup against the elected government.
Thai Prime Minister Srettha emphasized the importance of the situation in Myanmar, stating that his government is prepared to facilitate cooperation among all parties to ensure peace and stability. Srettha also noted in a recent interview with Reuters that the Myanmar regime appears to be weakening, presenting an opportune moment for initiating diplomatic talks.
Recently, anti-junta forces in Myanmar attempted coordinated drone attacks on military facilities in the capital city, posing a potential threat to the credibility of the well-equipped military. Thailand, which shares a 2,000-km border with Myanmar, has been engaging with its neighbor since Srettha assumed office last August, including providing humanitarian assistance in hopes of fostering dialogue between conflicting parties.
Thai lawmakers organized a seminar last month to discuss the political situation in Myanmar, featuring appearances by opponents of the military junta despite objections from the regime. The ongoing efforts by Thailand to address the crisis in Myanmar reflect the country’s commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region.
(Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanant, Chayut Setboonsarng and Panu Wongcha-um, Editing by Kanupriya Kapoor)
