18-3-2024 (BANGKOK) The House Committee on Foreign Affairs has presented a comprehensive four-point action plan to address the ongoing crisis in Myanmar. Noppadon Pattama, Chairman of the committee and MP for the Pheu Thai Party, expressed the committee’s commitment to monitoring the situation in Myanmar and supporting all efforts aimed at resolving the crisis.
The proposed four-point plan focuses on providing a coordinated response from the government. Firstly, Noppadon Pattama emphasized the need to establish a special panel comprising officials from the security and foreign affairs sectors. This panel would closely monitor the situation in Myanmar and formulate a comprehensive response strategy.
Secondly, the committee emphasized the importance of developing a contingency plan to address any potential escalation in fighting, which could lead to an increased number of refugees seeking shelter in the border provinces. With conscription in Myanmar expected to intensify in April, the likelihood of heightened conflict is anticipated.
The third point of the plan calls for an expansion of humanitarian aid distribution to cover all individuals affected by the conflict, rather than limiting it to the 10,000 individuals currently sheltering in three villages. The involvement of ASEAN is also crucial to ensure comprehensive assistance, according to Noppadon Pattama.
“Thailand should play a leading role in resolving the crisis in Myanmar and go beyond its current facilitator role,” he stated.
Lastly, the committee proposed the establishment of a group called “Myanmar Troika Plus,” consisting of Thailand, the ASEAN chair, China, and India. This informal consultation mechanism would advocate for sustainable peace in Myanmar. Noppadon Pattama highlighted that this proposed mechanism aligns with ASEAN’s five-point peace plan, which includes calls for an end to hostilities, dialogue among all parties, and the provision of full humanitarian access to Myanmar.
“We have no shortage of ideas, but we must intensify our efforts. The conflict in Myanmar is complex, but ASEAN and Thailand can work towards promoting peace. If we achieve this, Thailand will gain international recognition,” said Noppadon Pattama, a former foreign minister.
Earlier, the government had agreed to establish a humanitarian corridor along the border with Myanmar to assist those displaced by the internal conflict. This initiative, endorsed by ASEAN foreign ministers and a representative from Myanmar’s junta, will enable the Thai and Myanmar Red Cross to deliver supplies under the supervision of ASEAN’s humanitarian aid body. The first convoy of humanitarian aid is scheduled to enter Myanmar on March 25 through the 2nd Thai-Myanmar Bridge in Mae Sot district, Tak province.
