Thailand Seeks to Act as Thailand Myanmar ASEAN Bridge After Coup

Thailand said it wants to help reconnect Myanmar with ASEAN nearly five years after the 2021 coup, positioning itself as a Thailand Myanmar ASEAN bridge as Bangkok presses the junta to take steps toward dialogue and reduced violence in line with the bloc’s peace plan.

Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said on Feb. 18 after talks with Myanmar Foreign Minister Than Swe in southern Thailand that Thailand wants to be a bridge back to ASEAN, urging Myanmar to avoid attacks on civilians and respond to regional concerns.

ASEAN has barred Myanmar’s top junta leaders from major summits since the coup sparked widespread conflict.

Thailand, which shares a 2,400-km border with Myanmar, has heightened stakes in stability across the frontier as it seeks a Thailand Myanmar ASEAN bridge.