NAY PYI TAW, MYANMAR — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow travelled to Nay Pyi Taw on Tuesday for an official visit and is scheduled to meet Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing, focusing on bilateral cooperation, border security or cross-border crime, and regional environmental concerns.
Speaking to reporters, Sihasak said the visit carries three main objectives, beginning with congratulations to Myanmar on forming a new government, which he described as an important political transition that could pave the way toward peace and reconciliation efforts among different groups in the country.
He said Thailand, as a close neighbour, wants to see sustainable peace in Myanmar.
The second objective, he said, is to open a “new chapter” in bilateral relations, particularly in strengthening cooperation on border security, suppression of transnational crime networks — especially scam operations — and drug trafficking, which he said has increasingly affected Thailand.
He also highlighted the need for cooperation on environmental issues, including water and air pollution, and stressed the importance of restoring border trade, which he said accounts for around 80% of total trade between the two countries.
Sihasak added that Thailand supports Myanmar’s return to ASEAN engagement through a “step-by-step” approach, noting ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus. He said progress has been limited, and Myanmar must address ASEAN’s concerns if it is to reintegrate fully into the bloc. He also said Thailand is ready to play a leading role in facilitating dialogue.
He welcomed Myanmar’s new government announcement of a pardon for political figures, including the former president, and expressed hope such steps would continue.
The foreign minister also said both sides would discuss reducing violence along the Thai–Myanmar border, noting humanitarian needs in Myanmar and suggesting greater involvement from ASEAN and international organisations in providing assistance.
Referring to recent incidents in which Myanmar military aircraft reportedly dropped ordnance that crossed into Thai territory, Sihasak said Thailand wants to see reduced use of force along the border and a de-escalation of fighting.
He added that military-to-military cooperation remains an important channel, noting previous high-level visits between armed forces leadership and joint discussions on border security. Thailand is expected to host the next round of talks.
Sihasak also said the issue of PM2.5 pollution would be raised during the visit, describing it as a shared concern among Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos that requires urgent regional cooperation.
