ASEAN envoy holds talks with Myanmar rebels and negotiators in Thailand

ASEAN’s special envoy on Myanmar met ethnic minority rebel groups and a government-backed negotiation committee in Thailand. The talks were aimed at an inclusive national political process.

The meetings followed a separate session in Bangkok between ASEAN foreign ministers and Myanmar’s representative, Tin Maung Swe, the bloc’s first face-to-face contact with Myanmar’s leadership since the 2021 military coup. Thailand’s foreign minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, called that encounter an “icebreaker” and cast ASEAN’s approach as “calibrated engagement.” Philippine Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said Myanmar’s minister briefed the ministers on peace efforts, Aung San Suu Kyi’s status, and cooperation against cross-border scam operations, trafficking and drug trafficking.

ASEAN adopted its Five-Point Consensus at a leaders’ meeting in Jakarta on April 24, 2021, after the February 1 coup that plunged Myanmar into nationwide conflict. The roadmap called for an immediate end to violence, constructive dialogue among all parties, the appointment of a special envoy, humanitarian assistance, and a visit by the envoy to Myanmar. A review on October 9, 2024 reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to a peaceful, durable, Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led political resolution and denounced violence against civilians.

Myanmar’s military authorities have not delivered the concessions ASEAN wanted, and the junta and its political apparatus have been kept out of top-level ASEAN meetings. The National Unity Government said it was not invited to the Bangkok process and expressed concern.

The United Nations counts 16.2 million people in Myanmar needing humanitarian assistance in 2026, more than 4 million people have been displaced, and the March 2025 earthquake made the crisis worse. OCHA’s 2026 plan prioritizes life-saving and protection assistance for 4.9 million people in the hardest-hit areas.