9-4-2024 (BANGKOK) Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has expressed his belief that now is an opportune time to initiate talks with the military regime in Myanmar, as the junta that seized power in a 2021 coup appears to be weakening amidst an escalating insurgency on multiple fronts.
In an interview with Reuters on the resort island of Koh Samui on April 7, Srettha acknowledged the challenges faced by the Myanmar junta, which has seen allied anti-junta groups backed by a pro-democracy parallel government seize control of several military posts and towns, including parts of a key border town with Thailand over the past weekend.
“The current regime is starting to lose some strength,” Srettha stated. “But even if they are losing, they have the power, they have the weapons. Maybe it’s time to reach out and make a deal.”
The insurgency, which has emerged as the biggest challenge to the Myanmar junta since the 2021 coup against an elected government, has prompted Thailand to pursue multiple engagements with Myanmar since Srettha assumed office in August.
These efforts have included delivering aid to Myanmar under a humanitarian initiative aimed at paving the way for talks between the warring camps. Additionally, the Thai Parliament hosted a seminar in March on the political situation in Myanmar, which included the appearance of opponents of Myanmar’s military, despite the junta’s objection.
Srettha emphasized the importance of Myanmar to Thailand, stating, “The country that stands to gain most if Myanmar becomes unified, peaceful and prosperous is Thailand.” He revealed that he and other Thai officials have been in dialogue with various stakeholders in Myanmar and international partners, including China and the United States.
While the Thai government has stated that it will not take sides in international conflicts and will address conflicts peacefully, according to government spokesman Chai Watcharong, Srettha is planning to convene a meeting with Cabinet ministers, senior military officials, and security personnel on April 9 to streamline government policies on Myanmar.
“I’m meeting five or six people who are the key players and making sure that we are on the same page,” Srettha stated, underscoring the importance of a coordinated approach in addressing the evolving situation in Myanmar.
As the insurgency continues to challenge the military junta’s grip on power, Thailand’s recognition of the regime’s apparent weakening and its willingness to engage in dialogue suggest a potential shift in the region’s approach to resolving the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.
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