Thailand has reiterated its support for an “inclusive, free, fair and transparent” election in Myanmar, adding the process must contribute to lasting peace and national reconciliation.
Speaking after the first day of the 47th Asean Summit on Sunday, Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura said the upcoming election should serve as a foundation for a sustainable peace process.
The neighbouring country has been engulfed in civil war since the military coup on Feb 1, 2021 that ousted the civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi. The ruling military junta is now planning to hold a general election on Dec 28.
Mr Nikorndej’s briefing highlighted the “Extended Informal Consultation on Myanmar”, held on Saturday under the leadership of Malaysia as chair of Asean and the Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) on Sunday. Every Asean member state except Myanmar took part in the consultation.
Mr Nikorndej said participants reaffirmed their commitment to advancing Asean’s Five-Point Consensus (5PC) and promoting an inclusive dialogue and discussed Asean’s collective position on Myanmar’s general election.
“Many participants acknowledged Thailand’s constructive role in providing humanitarian assistance as a confidence-building measure and a pathway toward inclusive dialogue,” he said.
The meetings also discussed strengthening the effectiveness of the Asean Special Envoy on Myanmar, with some members supporting an extension of the envoy’s mandate beyond one year to allow for more tangible progress, he said.
Meanwhile, during the AMM, Asean members reiterated their collective resolve to uphold the 5PC as the primary framework for addressing the crisis in Myanmar, he said.
In 2021, the 5PC called for the immediate cessation of violence; constructive dialogue among all parties concerned; mediation to be facilitated by an envoy of Asean’s chair; humanitarian assistance provided by Asean’s AHA Centre and a visit by a special envoy to meet all parties concerned.
Regarding election transparency, he said Thailand supports sending Asean observers if invited by the Myanmar government.