Thai foreign minister to meet Myanmar’s president

Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, is set to meet Myanmar’s leadership this week, with cross‑border pollution and regional stability high on the agenda.

The talks come as Myanmar’s new government, led by President Min Aung Hlaing, seeks to consolidate power following its recent formation. For Bangkok, the transition offers an opportunity to deepen dialogue with its neighbour, focusing on reconciliation and stability in a country still scarred by years of conflict.

Sihasak is expected to raise a wide range of issues, from border security and transnational crime to drug trafficking and environmental concerns. PM2.5 haze pollution, which regularly blankets northern Thailand and is linked to seasonal burning across borders, will be a key point of discussion. He has signalled the need for closer coordination with both Myanmar and Laos to tackle the problem as a shared regional challenge.

Border trade, a vital lifeline for communities along the frontier, will also be reviewed. Thailand and Myanmar rely heavily on cross‑border commerce, and officials are keen to restore momentum after years of disruption. The foreign minister has stressed that reducing violence along the border and improving humanitarian cooperation are essential to ensuring stability.

Bangkok has long maintained pragmatic ties with Myanmar’s military, despite international criticism of the junta. The Thai army and its Myanmar counterpart have historically cooperated on border patrols, counter‑insurgency and trade, seeing themselves as guardians of national sovereignty. This meeting continues that tradition of engagement, reflecting Thailand’s preference for dialogue over confrontation.

Sihasak has also welcomed Myanmar’s gradual re‑engagement with ASEAN, noting recent steps by the new government to reconnect with the regional bloc. For Thailand, encouraging this process is part of a broader strategy to reduce tensions and promote regional security.

While the meeting is framed around practical issues such as pollution and trade, it carries wider significance. By engaging directly with Min Aung Hlaing, Thailand signals its intent to remain a key player in shaping Myanmar’s future path — balancing its own security needs with the region’s demand for stability.

-2026-04-22