Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra of Thailand emphasized the importance of ASEAN in bringing an end to the civil war in Myanmar, which has been ongoing since the military coup in February 2021. She expressed the need for ASEAN to take a leading role in restoring peace to Myanmar and highlighted the upcoming summit of ASEAN leaders in Laos as an opportunity to address the crisis. Paetongtarn proposed that Thailand, along with Malaysia, the next ASEAN chair, work together to use diplomatic channels to resolve the conflict. She also offered Thailand’s assistance as a mediator to facilitate talks between the parties involved.
The situation in Myanmar has deteriorated significantly since the military seized power from the elected civilian government, leading to widespread protests that have escalated into an armed rebellion against the ruling junta. The Five Point Consensus, a peace effort initiated by ASEAN in April 2021, has so far failed to make significant progress in resolving the conflict. The junta has been reluctant to engage in dialogue with its opposition, dismissing them as terrorists seeking to destabilize the country. Despite repeated calls for negotiations, the military has shown no willingness to participate in talks to address the root causes of the conflict.
The lack of progress in restoring peace to Myanmar has raised concerns about the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the country. The violence and instability have led to a significant displacement of civilians and a breakdown of essential services, exacerbating the suffering of the population. Human rights violations have been widely reported, including arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial killings, and repression of civil liberties. The international community has called for urgent action to address the crisis and prevent further escalation of violence and human rights abuses.
ASEAN’s role in resolving the conflict in Myanmar is crucial, given the regional bloc’s commitment to promoting peace, stability, and cooperation among its member states. The ongoing crisis in Myanmar has strained relations within ASEAN, with some member states advocating for a stronger stance against the military junta while others prefer a non-interventionist approach. The divergent views within ASEAN have complicated efforts to address the crisis effectively, highlighting the need for greater coordination and consensus among member states. As the current chair of ASEAN, Laos has a key role to play in facilitating dialogue and finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Myanmar.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn’s call for ASEAN to take a more active role in ending the civil war in Myanmar reflects the growing recognition of the urgency of the situation. As the crisis continues to escalate, the humanitarian toll on the people of Myanmar has become increasingly dire, underscoring the need for immediate action to prevent further suffering. ASEAN’s ability to engage with all parties involved in the conflict and facilitate dialogue is essential to finding a sustainable solution that addresses the root causes of the crisis. By leveraging its diplomatic influence and collective strength, ASEAN can help bring about a resolution to the conflict in Myanmar and contribute to lasting peace and stability in the region.
