The Foreign Minister revealed that Min Aung Hlaing's visit to Thailand will cover discussions on border security, suppressing scammer networks, and resolving river pollution — confirming there will be no impact on Thailand's image. He acknowledged wanting to see the peace dialogue process move forward and humanitarian aid channels opened, and expressed hope that Aung San Suu Kyi will receive proper care.
Today (31 July), at 3:35 p.m. at Government House, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow spoke about the upcoming official visit to Thailand by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, President of Myanmar, scheduled for 6–7 August. He said negotiations will cover multiple issues, including border security and what Thailand does not want to see — namely, intense fighting that affects Thailand — as well as discussions on suppressing scammer networks along the border and resolving river pollution problems. A joint working group between Thailand and Myanmar will be established to monitor water quality and prevent water contamination and pollution.
In addition, there will be discussions on border trade. At present, the Mae Sot checkpoint has been opened, but it remains subject to permit requirements, and there are regulations that cause excessive delays in Thai exports and imports.
Sihasak emphasised that regarding the internal situation in Myanmar, he would like to see the peace process and dialogue move forward. Myanmar has already taken some steps in that direction, and wherever Thailand can coordinate and facilitate, it is willing to do so.
When asked whether Min Aung Hlaing's visit carries any particular significance, Sihasak said Thailand must accept the reality that Myanmar is a neighbour with a very long shared border, and when border problems arise, both sides must talk. On the matter of dialogue, Myanmar has already held an election, so it is not possible to ask for another one — but Thailand is asking Myanmar to move forward with the reconciliation dialogue process in order to achieve genuine peace. He affirmed that Thailand has not abandoned this responsibility. He added that, hypothetically speaking, even if one were to say Thailand is not following the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus, he confirmed Thailand still adheres to it — but that dialogue should be based on all five points of the consensus, meaning Myanmar should open up more space for humanitarian assistance.
"Myanmar should talk with minority groups, and should be able to assure the international community that Aung San Suu Kyi will be well looked after. That is something we also wish to ask for. We are expressing our expectation that the peace process and dialogue process will move forward," Sihasak said.
Sihasak continued that, regardless, since Min Aung Hlaing is coming to visit Thailand, Thailand must raise its own concerns — namely border issues. Of course, Thailand has its own interests. As for Myanmar's internal affairs, it is a situation involving Thailand's neighbour, and Thailand would like to see sustainable peace there. Thailand will facilitate what it can on its side, and if possible, will ask Myanmar to reduce violence along the border, as Thailand does not want civilians, women, and children to be affected. Most importantly, Thailand wants a dialogue process to find a way for both sides to coexist.
When asked whether other ASEAN nations will understand, Sihasak said many have begun to see that Myanmar remains an ASEAN member. If progress is desired, the question is whether both sides should meet in the middle. Therefore, dialogue with Myanmar is necessary — because if Thailand does not engage, how can it deny that Myanmar is part of the region? Thailand also does not want to see Myanmar become an arena of great-power competition, because if Myanmar remains within ASEAN, there will be greater confidence.
When asked whether this visit will affect Thailand's image, given that other countries have sanctioned Myanmar and do not recognise Min Aung Hlaing's government, Sihasak said: as a neighbour, Thailand must accept the situation — there will be no impact on its image. Thailand has border problems that must be resolved, and without dialogue, how can those problems be fixed? It must be accepted that Myanmar has already held an election and cannot be asked to hold another, but Thailand is asking Myanmar to move forward with the peace process, reconciliation, and dialogue with various groups. The reality must be accepted that Thailand is situated where it is — it cannot be like other ASEAN countries, because those countries are not directly affected.
