Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow, speaking on his official visit to Myanmar, outlined three main objectives for the trip.

First, to congratulate Myanmar on forming its new government, noting that President Min Aung Hlaing’s election as president represents a significant transition that should lead toward a peace process, national reconciliation, and dialogue among Myanmar’s various groups. Thailand wishes to see lasting peace in Myanmar as a neighboring country.

Second, to open a new chapter in bilateral relations, with Thailand seeking cooperation on border security, suppression of transnational criminal networks particularly scam operations and narcotics flowing increasingly into Thailand, as well as environmental pollution in both water and air. Critically, Thailand wants to reopen border trade, which accounts for 80 percent of total Thai-Myanmar trade.

Third, Sihasak reaffirmed Thailand’s desire to see Myanmar return to ASEAN, through a policy of gradual engagement. He noted that while ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus exists, it has not been implemented in practice, and Thailand wishes to play a leading role on this front, while acknowledging that Myanmar must take steps to address ASEAN’s concerns.

Sihasak also welcomed the new government’s announcement of pardons for political figures including the former president, expressing hope that such actions would continue. 

Discussions will also cover reducing violence along the Thai-Myanmar border, given Myanmar’s acute humanitarian needs, and Thailand is exploring pathways for ASEAN and international organizations to deliver assistance to the population.

On the issue of Myanmar combat aircraft mistakenly dropping bombs onto Thai territory, Sihasak said Thailand is urging Myanmar to reduce the use of force along the border and to de-escalate hostilities, with a full ceasefire being the preferred outcome. This falls under military-to-military security cooperation; Thailand’s Supreme Commander has previously visited Myanmar, and a high-level military meeting has taken place, with Thailand set to host the next round, where border security will be on the agenda.

Sihasak also flagged PM2.5 air pollution as an urgent discussion item, noting it is a shared concern requiring coordinated action among Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos, and will be raised directly with the President and Vice President of Myanmar.