Thailand backs US engagement with Myanmar as Asean seeks path forward

Thailand's top diplomat has indicated that discussions on Myanmar's suspended participation in Asean will be a key agenda item at the forthcoming regional summit, with Bangkok welcoming American diplomatic efforts to address the ongoing political impasse.

Myanmar has remained excluded from full Asean activities since the February 2021 coup that toppled the civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi. The military junta's failure to implement agreed commitments to restore democratic processes has kept the country on the sidelines of regional forums, complicating Asean's traditionally consensus-based operations.

Thailand's position reflects broader recognition within Southeast Asia that resolving the Myanmar crisis requires varied diplomatic channels. US engagement with the junta and opposition groups is viewed by some Asean members as a constructive addition to the bloc's own efforts, though approaches remain divided across member states.

The Manila summit is expected to revisit the conditions for Myanmar's reintegration into Asean activities, with officials exploring whether fresh diplomatic initiatives might prompt movement on the deadlocked situation. Observers note that any breakthrough would likely require significant shifts in the junta's approach to national reconciliation efforts.