Thai, Myanmar FMs Discuss Pathways to Sustainable Peace

PHUKET, Feb 19 (TNA) - Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow met his Myanmar counterpart, Than Swe, in Phuket on Wednesday to discuss approaches to sustainable peace following Myanmar's recent general election.

The two-hour informal talk, held during a ministers' retreat, underscored Thailand's role as a "bridge builder" and "frontline state." Thailand aims to reconnect Myanmar with ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus and foster long-term stability along their 2,400-kilometer shared border.

Myanmar reported that the election proceeded smoothly, with a new government expected by the Songkran festival in April. Naypyidaw expressed openness to reconciliation talks with all ethnic and pro-democracy groups to restore national stability.

Sihasak emphasized that Thailand is ready to facilitate Myanmar's return to the ASEAN family, provided Myanmar addresses international concerns. Key priorities include expanding humanitarian access, ending attacks on civilians, and adhering to the ASEAN peace framework.

The ministers also agreed to strengthen cooperation against cross-border crimes, specifically drug trafficking and online "call center" scams. Additionally, Myanmar is accelerating repairs to the Asian Highway to resume border trade at the Mae Sot-Myawaddy gate and encourage future Thai private investment. -819 (TNA)