How ASEAN Leaders Seek New Approaches to Myanmar Crisis as Thailand Proposes Peace Talks

Southeast Asian leaders gathered in Laos on Wednesday, October 9, to discuss the ongoing civil war in Myanmar. Thailand has introduced a new proposal aimed at resolving the conflict, following limited progress from ASEAN’s previous peace initiatives.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the 2021 military coup, which led to widespread rebellion and civil war. The crisis has displaced millions, and efforts to find a solution have stalled. Thailand has offered to host an “informal consultation” among ASEAN members in December to explore new strategies for peace.

"We want to see a political solution," said Nikorndej Balankura, spokesperson for Thailand’s foreign ministry. He emphasized Thailand's readiness to work with other ASEAN members for a collective effort towards peace in Myanmar.

Thailand's proposal aims to complement existing ASEAN peace efforts but would focus on regional involvement without initially expanding beyond the bloc. The suggestion was discussed at the ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting on Tuesday, as the group faces dwindling options for addressing the crisis.

ASEAN's previous “Five-Point Consensus” peace plan, introduced shortly after the coup, has made little headway, and attempts by Indonesia to encourage dialogue with anti-junta groups have also faltered. Thailand has previously hinted that Myanmar’s neighbors, China and India, could contribute to peace efforts, but the latest plan focuses solely on ASEAN.

Decisions on whether Myanmar’s ruling military or opposition forces would be included in the talks will depend on ASEAN chair Laos and other member states.

'Virtually No Progress'

Myanmar's civil war and tensions in the South China Sea are expected to dominate discussions at the ASEAN summit in Vientiane. Leaders from the region, as well as top diplomats and premiers from around the world, including U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, are attending.

Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone opened the summit, emphasizing ASEAN’s tradition of cooperation. "Laos believes ASEAN’s past successes are due to mutual understanding and collaboration," he said.

Ahead of the summit, U.S. diplomat Daniel Kritenbrink commented on the lack of progress in Myanmar, noting there had been "virtually zero progress" in reducing violence or engaging with the democratic opposition.

ASEAN has excluded Myanmar's military leaders from summits until they comply with the peace plan. A senior foreign ministry official is representing Myanmar at the summit in Laos. During discussions, Myanmar’s representative urged ASEAN to show more understanding and use "moderate language" when addressing the crisis.

However, former Thai diplomat Korbsak Chutikul warned that ASEAN must not accept Myanmar's five-step “roadmap,” which includes a proposed election that many view as an attempt to legitimize military rule.

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