Naypyidaw: Prime Minister Sihasak Srimuang is preparing to discuss the urgent issue of PM2.5 air pollution with the President of Myanmar, emphasizing the need for collaborative solutions among three countries: Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos. He also welcomed Myanmar's formation of a new government, signaling a desire for peace and the release of political prisoners, and hoping for an end to internal fighting. He stated that the incident where a Myanmar military aircraft mistakenly bombed a plane over Thai waters will not affect Thailand.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sihasak Phuangketkaew, spoke about his official visit to Myanmar, stating that the trip had three main objectives: firstly, to congratulate Myanmar on the formation of its new government, following the election of Senior General Min Aung Hlaing as President of Myanmar; secondly, to mark a significant transition that will lead to peace and reconciliation processes and dialogue among various groups in Myanmar; and thirdly, to express Thailand's desire to see lasting peace in Myanmar, as Thailand is a neighboring country.
Furthermore, this marks the beginning of a new chapter in relations, in which Thailand wishes to cooperate on border security, combating transnational organized crime, especially scammers, and the increasing influx of drugs into Thailand. Thailand also wants to cooperate on pollution issues, both in water and air. Most importantly, Thailand hopes to reopen border trade, which accounts for 80% of its total trade with Myanmar.
Mr. Sihasak also reiterated that Thailand wants Myanmar to rejoin ASEAN and has a key policy called "gradual engagement" to bring it back into ASEAN. ASEAN has a five-point consensus, but it has not been implemented in the past. Thailand wants to play a leading role in this, but for Myanmar to rejoin ASEAN, it must address ASEAN's concerns.
At the same time, Thailand welcomes the newly formed government's decision to pardon politicians, particularly the former president of Myanmar. Thailand hopes that such actions will continue in the future. Furthermore, discussions will be held on ways to reduce violence along the Thai-Myanmar border, as Thailand is aware of Myanmar's critical humanitarian needs. Thailand is exploring ways for ASEAN and international organizations to provide assistance to the people.
Mr. Sihasak also addressed the fighting in Myanmar, which resulted in Myanmar fighter jets accidentally bombing across the border into Thailand. He stated that Thailand hopes Myanmar will reduce the violence along the border and de-escalate the conflict. Thailand believes a complete cessation of hostilities would be ideal. He emphasized that this issue concerns security cooperation between the military and Myanmar, noting past visits by the Thai Supreme Commander to Myanmar and high-level military meetings. Thailand will host the next such meeting, which will focus on border security.
Mr. Sihasak also stated that today there will be discussions on PM2.5, an issue that all three countries-Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos-must address together. This is a worrying problem and an urgent matter to discuss with the President and Vice President of Myanmar.