Thailand offers venue for ASEAN‑backed Myanmar peace talks

ASEAN’s special envoy on Myanmar has held separate meetings with the country’s military‑backed negotiators and several rebel groups, including the Karen National Union and the Karenni National Progressive Party. Thailand’s foreign minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said Bangkok is ready to act as a facilitator and provide a venue for future talks, marking a step toward reviving the stalled ASEAN peace initiative.

The talks come after ASEAN foreign ministers held their first in‑person meeting with Myanmar’s representatives since the 2021 coup that sparked a civil war, killed an estimated 100,000 people and displaced millions. All parties affirmed that a military solution is not viable. Thailand hopes to find common ground for negotiations and eventually arrange a face‑to‑face meeting with detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi, reaffirming its commitment to the Five‑Point Consensus peace plan.