Irrawaddy-Jan 17
Thailand is considering providing humanitarian assistance to people in Myanmar affected by armed conflict between the country’s military regime and resistance forces, according to the Bangkok Post. Citing a military source with knowledge of the plan, the Post reported that Thai authorities are also hosting talks with the leader of Myanmar’s regime and the country’s ethnic minority groups to find a solution to the crisis in the country. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has held talks with his Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara and armed forces’ leaders about the ongoing conflict in the neighboring country, which is likely to have significant repercussions for Thailand if it is prolonged, the source told the Post. Thailand shares a more than 2,400-kilometer-long border with Myanmar. Some of Myanmar’s established ethnic armed groups and anti-regime resistance forces have been fighting against the junta since the military coup in 2021. When fighting breaks out near the border, refugees flee to the Thai side. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has proposed a peace plan for Myanmar following the coup, but the junta has failed to honor it. Known as Five-Point Consensus, the plan includes sending humanitarian aid to Myanmar. Both Myanmar and Thailand are ASEAN members.
The Post reported that Thailand, under Srettha’s leadership, is considering taking action through the consensus by sending humanitarian aid to vulnerable communities in Myanmar. “The Thai government via the Foreign Ministry will coordinate with the Myanmar government in assisting vulnerable populations while the military will provide necessary support,” the source was quoted as saying. Read more at: https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/myanmars-crisis-the-world/thailand-mulls-providing-humanitarian-aid-to-victims-of-war-in-myanmar-report.html
