Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow announced on November 3 that he will visit Myanmar on November 12, just days ahead of an ASEAN summit where Thailand is expected to push for normalizing relations with its conflict-torn neighbour, AFP reported.
The planned trip comes amid escalating border tensions, with fighting raging along the frontier between the Myanmar military and ethnic armed groups. Cross-border shelling and clashes have reportedly damaged homes and left at least one Thai national injured on Thai soil.
Sihasak’s visit precedes the summit of Southeast Asian leaders scheduled for November 16–18 in Manila. Since the military took over State power in 2021, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has barred Myanmar’s leadership from high-level bloc meetings.
Speaking to reporters in Beijing, Sihasak said Bangkok wants to understand Myanmar’s latest stance before leaders convene.
"De-escalation by all parties will help create a conducive environment for crucial dialogue and the peace process," he said.
"If progress is made on those fronts, it would serve as a positive factor for ASEAN leaders to consider at the summit when deciding how to move forward on the Myanmar issue, including its participation in ASEAN meetings," he added.
Sihasak, who previously travelled to Myanmar in April, stated that he is scheduled to meet his counterpart, Foreign Minister U Tin Maung Swe, on November 12, with arrangements also being made for a meeting with President U Min Aung Hlaing.
