Thailand announces results of regional talks on Myanmar
Thailand on December 19 hosted the first separate meeting on Myanmar, which saw the participation of five of this Southeast Asian country’s neighbours - China, India, Bangladesh, Laos, and Thailand.
Bangkok (VNA) 🌸- Thailand on December 19 hosted the first separate meeting on Myanmar, which saw the participation of five of this Southeast Asian country’s neighbours - China, India, Bangladesh, Laos, and Thailand.
Speaking to the media the same day, Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said that during the meeting, Myanmar's junta-appointed foreign minister Than Swe informed the neighbouring countries of plans to hold elections next year, including the possibility of inviting foreign election observers.
Minister Sangiampongsa further mentioned that Than Swe outlined the political roadmap and election preparation progress, which included a population census and the registration of 53 political parties in Myanmar, as well as the intention to invite observers from neighbouring countries.
Spokesman for the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nikorndej Balankura stated that the response from Myanmar's neighbours to the election plan was "generally positive," highlighting that all countries involved hoped for a swift resolution to Myanmar's political crisis.
While Myanmar's neighbours emphasised the need to continue cooperating with the junta government of Myanmar, Thai officials affirmed that ASEAN's "Five-Point Consensus" peace plan will remain central to regional efforts to end the conflict.
Regarding the Myanmar issue, Prime Minister of Malaysia which will take over the ASEAN chairmanship in 2025, Anwar Ibrahim, previously confirmed his commitment to implementing ASEAN's peace plan and invited former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to be his personal advisor. According to Thai media, Thaksin, a politically influential billionaire and father of current Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, had previously sought to mediate in Myanmar's conflict./.
Thailand announced on December 16 that it will host two regional meetings on Myanmar this week, with at least one participated by representatives of Myanmar's military junta.
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Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said on October 7 that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) must play a key role in ending the crisis in Myanmar.
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The consumer index of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), fell to 51.7 in July from 52.7 in the previous month. The sluggish economy and the trade war, as well as high living costs, continue to undermine confidence, the university said.
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The 30-storey tower crumbled seconds after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit neighbouring Myanmar on March 28. The partially built high-rise, meant to house the State Audit Office (SAO), was the only building in Thailand to collapse, killing 89 people on the site, mostly construction workers.
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