Thailand , Mar 18, 2025
Thailand has quietly stepped forward as a potential mediator in Myanmar’s ongoing civil conflict, proposing to host informal peace negotiations between the military junta and opposition forces. This move marks a subtle but significant diplomatic shift in Bangkok’s traditionally neutral stance on ASEAN conflicts — and could reshape regional efforts to resolve the Myanmar crisis.
While ASEAN’s “Five-Point Consensus” on Myanmar has largely stalled since 2021, Thailand’s proposal signals a desire to fill the diplomatic vacuum. The country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed early-stage discussions with ASEAN counterparts and international stakeholders, including Japan and Norway, to support the mediation process.
Thailand’s pitch includes Bangkok as a neutral venue for informal dialogue, aimed at confidence-building before any formal talks begin. While the Myanmar military remains publicly noncommittal, several members of the opposition National Unity Government (NUG) and ethnic armed organizations have expressed cautious interest in a third-party host not directly aligned with Western sanctions or Beijing’s interests.
Experts note the complexity of the task ahead. “Thailand’s involvement is high risk but potentially high reward,” said Dr. Nalinee Srichai, a political analyst at Chulalongkorn University. “If successful, it could boost Thailand’s regional standing and inject credibility back into ASEAN’s role in conflict resolution.”
However, critics warn that Bangkok’s silence on the junta’s human rights abuses may undermine its credibility. Thailand has also faced scrutiny for its continued trade and energy ties with Myanmar’s military, including through cross-border gas projects.
Nevertheless, the proposal has received quiet support from several ASEAN members and UN special envoys, who see any credible mediation attempt as a step forward.
With violence continuing in Myanmar and diplomatic pressure mounting on ASEAN to take a firmer stance, Thailand’s initiative — though still in early stages — may represent the best chance yet for renewed dialogue in a region desperate for stability.
