8-12-2023 (BANGKOK) Thailand and conflict-ridden Myanmar are set to establish a joint task force aimed at enhancing humanitarian assistance for those displaced by ongoing conflicts. The task force, outlined by Thailand’s foreign ministry on Friday (Dec 8), could potentially involve collaboration with additional aid agencies. The initiative aims to foster constructive engagement between Myanmar, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the broader international community.
The border regions of Myanmar have witnessed escalated violence as ethnic minority armies, forming an alliance, conduct coordinated attacks against the military. This has emboldened pro-democracy resistance fighters to target security forces in other areas. Since the rebel offensive began in late October, the United Nations estimates that over 300,000 people have been displaced. This adds to the more than 2 million who were forced to flee following the 2021 coup and subsequent crackdown, sparking a backlash against the junta.
The ongoing unrest poses a significant challenge for the military government, marking its largest battlefield test since the coup. The situation has raised concerns in neighboring countries like China and Thailand, particularly regarding the potential for a refugee influx.
Thailand’s foreign ministry disclosed that discussions between junta-appointed foreign minister Than Swe and Thai counterpart Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara at the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation meeting in China led to the decision to form the humanitarian task force. The statement highlighted that Myanmar would send a working team to Thailand soon for further discussions on the matter. If the initial phase proves successful, the task force may extend invitations to other aid agencies in the future.
While Myanmar’s foreign ministry acknowledged the meeting, there was no mention of the humanitarian task force in their statement. A spokesperson for the junta was not immediately available for comment. The junta has faced exclusion from top-level ASEAN events due to its failure to implement a peace plan agreed upon after the coup.
