MYANMAR-THAILAND HOLD TALKS TO RE-ENGAGE NAYPYIDAW AND ASEAN AFTER STRAINED TIES 

By Vijian Paramasivam

PHNOM PENH, Feb 19 (Bernama) -- Thailand and Myanmar are discussing reviving Myanmar's ties with ASEAN after relations with the regional bloc deteriorated following the military takeover five years ago.

Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow held an informal discussion with his Myanmar counterpart, U Than Swe, in Phuket on Wednesday. 

Both ministers discussed a wide range of current issues, including ASEAN and tackling online scams.

“Both ministers exchanged views on the way forward to promote a calibrated re-engagement between ASEAN and Myanmar, with Thailand acting as a bridge.”

“Thailand will continue to encourage positive developments in Myanmar, taking into account the completion of elections and the upcoming formation of the new Myanmar government,” the Thai Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.

Meanwhile, state media The Global New Light of Myanmar, said both delegations discussed intensifying efforts in tackling transnational crimes such as online scams, human trafficking, and drug trafficking.

Myanmar concluded its three-phase elections on Jan 25, following the first phase on Dec 28 last year and the second on Jan 11. This was the first election since the military ousted the civilian government in February 2021.

According to media reports, the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party is set to form the new government soon after securing a landslide victory. 

-- BERNAMA