Thailand is ready to act as a facilitator between the Myanmar government and ethnic armed groups to achieve internal peace in Myanmar, said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow.
Mr Sihasak was speaking after the Informal Asean Foreign Ministers Meeting, which Myanmar Foreign Minister U Tin Maung Swe attended on Sunday at a Bangkok hotel.
Mr Sihasak also held an extended informal consultation with U Tin to gather information on the situation on the ground and to relay Asean members' concerns regarding the political and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar.
The two sessions were considered the first opportunity for Myanmar officials to attend political-level talks alongside other Asean nations since the military coup led by Gen Min Aung Hlaing in February 2021.
The meeting agreed to push for the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus by expanding humanitarian assistance, ceasing violence, facilitating inclusive dialogue among concerned parties and fostering a positive political climate.
This includes the release of political prisoners such as Aung San Suu Kyi, and having Thailand serve as a facilitator between the Myanmar government and ethnic groups.
"Thailand stands ready to facilitate talks between the Myanmar government and ethnic groups. I believe that the Myanmar issue cannot be solved through military means. It is necessary to turn the battlefield into a negotiation field," he said.
Asked whether cross-border pollution would be discussed at meetings with the Myanmar government and ethnic groups, he confirmed it would be on the agenda, as Thailand is directly affected.
He added there are plans to appoint relevant ministers to conduct a joint site visit.
