ASEAN Presses Myanmar for Progress on Peace Plan at Bangkok Talks

Foreign ministers from several Southeast Asian nations have urged Myanmar to make measurable progress on a regional peace plan during high-level talks in Bangkok, marking the first such meeting with Myanmar since the 2021 military coup.

Ministers seek tangible progress

The meeting brought together foreign ministers from members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Myanmar’s Foreign Minister Tin Maung Swe.

Myanmar has faced diplomatic isolation within ASEAN since the military overthrew the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, triggering a civil war. However, neighbouring Thailand has recently sought to rebuild engagement following the appointment of junta leader Min Aung Hlaing as civilian president after tightly controlled elections in April.

Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said his government supports what he described as "calibrated engagement" with Myanmar to help advance ASEAN’s five-point peace consensus.

He said Myanmar must demonstrate progress by improving humanitarian access, reducing violence—particularly against civilians—and encouraging inclusive political dialogue.

Sihasak also called for the further release of political prisoners and additional positive developments regarding former leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who remains under house arrest.

Peace plan under pressure

ASEAN’s five-point consensus, agreed in 2021, calls for an immediate end to hostilities and dialogue involving all parties to the conflict under the guidance of a regional envoy.

Despite the agreement, the initiative has made little progress, with fighting continuing across Myanmar.

Last week, lawmakers in Myanmar's parliament criticised the peace plan, arguing it should be reviewed because it conflicts with ASEAN’s principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of member states.

Regional support continues

Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro, who also serves as ASEAN chair's special envoy on Myanmar, said member states remain committed to the peace framework.

She said ministers had encouraged Myanmar to take the opportunity to make "concrete and demonstrable progress" on the agreement's key objectives, although no timetable was set.

Lazaro also called for concrete steps towards ending hostilities and said she plans to visit Myanmar later this year to help expand humanitarian assistance.

Divisions remain within ASEAN

Analysts say ASEAN members remain divided over how to deal with Myanmar's military-led government.

Countries including Thailand have favoured gradual engagement in the hope of encouraging progress, while others have argued for maintaining stronger diplomatic pressure until meaningful reforms are achieved.

Foreign ministers from Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam attended the Bangkok meeting. Malaysia was represented by other officials after its foreign minister was unable to attend.

According to conflict monitoring organisation ACLED, Myanmar’s civil war has claimed more than 100,000 lives since fighting erupted following the 2021 coup.

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13 July 2026