Thailand welcomes US engagement with Myanmar

Thailand's Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, has expressed support for United States engagement with Myanmar's military-backed government. Phuangketkeow stated that Thailand welcomes such involvement to prevent Myanmar from becoming an arena for geopolitical rivalry or facing total isolation, though he clarified that engagement does not equate to legitimizing the regime.

The goal of this engagement is to encourage peaceful conflict resolution and reconciliation with opposition forces. Phuangketkeow noted a potential shift in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) position, citing recent visits by Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing to several regional neighbors. He expects substantive discussions regarding Myanmar's future at the upcoming ASEAN summit in Manila.

Additionally, Phuangketkeow commented on the ongoing land and maritime boundary disputes between Thailand and Cambodia. He suggested that these long-standing issues could potentially be resolved within 12 to 18 months, provided that confidence-building measures and security concerns along the land border are addressed first.