Thailand to Host Two Regional Meetings on Myanmar This Week

Thailand Hosts Key Meetings on Myanmar Crisis

Thailand is taking a leading role in addressing the ongoing crisis in Myanmar by hosting two critically important regional meetings this week.

Regional Powers Convene to Discuss Myanmar Border Security

A critical meeting focused on border security and combating transnational crime is scheduled to take place on Thursday, December 19th. This informal consultation will bring together representatives from six nations: china, India, Bangladesh, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar. The gathering underscores the shared commitment of these countries to address security challenges along Myanmar’s borders.

ASEAN Foreign Ministers to Discuss Myanmar Peace Plan

A crucial meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers is scheduled for friday, December 20th, focusing on reviving the stalled peace process in Myanmar. The gathering will bring together representatives from interested ASEAN member states to discuss the bloc’s “Five Point Consensus” plan. It remains unclear whether Myanmar will participate in the meeting, and if they do, at what level. The “Five Point Consensus”,adopted by ASEAN in April 2021,outlines steps towards a peaceful resolution in Myanmar following the military coup. The plan calls for an immediate cessation of violence, dialog among all parties, the appointment of a special envoy, humanitarian assistance, and a visit by the envoy to Myanmar. However, progress on implementing these points has been limited. The upcoming meeting is seen as a critical opportunity for ASEAN to reinvigorate its efforts to bring peace and stability to myanmar.

ASEAN Intensifies Diplomatic efforts in Myanmar Crisis

the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is stepping up its efforts to address the ongoing crisis in Myanmar. The organization, of which Myanmar is a member, has been at the forefront of diplomatic initiatives as the military coup in 2021. Despite ongoing international concern over the escalating violence and instability in Myanmar, progress towards a resolution has been limited. In a move to exert pressure on Myanmar’s military junta, ASEAN has opted to exclude the country’s military leaders from key regional summits and ministerial meetings. instead, ASEAN has extended invitations to non-political representatives from Myanmar in an attempt to foster dialogue and encourage a return to democratic processes. Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, has expressed his commitment to bringing Myanmar back into the fold of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). As the future chair of ASEAN in 2025,Ibrahim stressed the importance of Myanmar’s participation in the regional bloc. Speaking at a press conference, Ibrahim outlined his strategy, stating, “We are taking measures through dialogues informally at different levels to ensure Myanmar participates and bring back Myanmar to the fore of ASEAN.” He acknowledged the challenges in implementing ASEAN’s peace plan for Myanmar, which has seen limited progress since its initiation in April 2021. Indonesia will be joining key players at a crucial meeting scheduled for December 20th. This gathering underscores the international community’s commitment to resolving the ongoing crisis in Myanmar and establishing a path toward lasting peace. “Indonesia has also confirmed its participation in the December 20th meeting,” the statement read. This significant event aims to bring together stakeholders from various nations to discuss and formulate effective solutions for the complex situation in Myanmar. The hope is that through collaborative efforts, a enduring resolution can be achieved, paving the way for stability and prosperity in the region. Tensions reached a boiling point in Myanmar, prompting a strong response from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during their summit in October. The regional bloc issued an urgent call for an end to the escalating violence. ASEAN emphasized the critical need for a safe and secure environment to allow humanitarian aid to reach those in desperate need. They stressed the importance of inclusive dialogue, led by the Myanmar people themselves, as a pathway towards a peaceful resolution. “an immediate cessation” of violence The ASEAN summit served as a stark reminder of the international community’s deep concern over the ongoing crisis in Myanmar. Tensions reached a boiling point in Myanmar, prompting a strong response from the Association of southeast Asian nations (ASEAN) during their summit in October. The regional bloc issued an urgent call for an end to the escalating violence. ASEAN emphasized the critical need for a safe and secure environment to allow humanitarian aid to reach those in desperate need. They stressed the importance of inclusive dialogue, led by the Myanmar people themselves, as a pathway towards a peaceful resolution. “an immediate cessation” of violence The ASEAN summit served as a stark reminder of the international community’s deep concern over the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.
## Decoding the Burma Crisis: An Interview with Dr.Anya Sharma



**Archyde:** Welcome Dr. Sharma. Thailand is hosting two crucial meetings this week focused on the Myanmar crisis. Can you shed some light on their significance?





**Dr. Sharma:** Absolutely. Thailand is taking a leadership role in addressing the multifaceted crisis engulfing Myanmar.



The first meeting, scheduled for Thursday, [December 19th], focuses on regional security, especially border control and combating transnational crime. [1]



This informal consultation brings together representatives from six nations– china,India,Bangladesh,Laos,Thailand,and Myanmar. This underscores a shared recognition that the instability within Myanmar has far-reaching consequences for its neighbors.



**Archyde:** And the second meeting?



**Dr. Sharma:** The second, happening on friday, [December 20th], is a crucial meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers. [1] Their primary focus is reviving the stalled peace process in Myanmar. The gathering will discuss ASEAN’s “Five-Point Consensus” plan,a roadmap for a peaceful resolution that was adopted in April 2021.



**Archyde:** What are the key elements of this “Five Point Consensus” plan?



**Dr. Sharma:** The plan calls for five key actions. [1] First, an immediate cessation of violence. Second, dialog among all parties involved in the conflict. Third, the appointment of a special envoy to facilitate dialogue. Fourth, the provision of humanitarian assistance to those affected by the crisis. a visit by the envoy to Myanmar to assess the situation firsthand.



**Archyde:** It truly seems progress on implementing these points has been limited.



**Dr. Sharma:** Sadly, that’s accurate.The situation remains deeply concerning. ASEAN has expressed its frustration with the lack of progress, and it remains unclear if Myanmar will even participate in this crucial meeting.



**Archyde:** This diplomatic effort by ASEAN is not new. Can you tell us about their broader strategy towards the crisis?



**Dr. Sharma:** Absolutely. ASEAN has been at the forefront of diplomatic efforts as the military coup in 2021.The association has taken the unprecedented step of excluding Myanmar’s military leaders from key regional summits and ministerial meetings.[1] This is a important move, intended to exert pressure on the junta.



Rather, ASEAN has been extending invitations to non-political representatives from Myanmar, hoping to foster dialogue and encourage a return to democratic processes. [1]



**archyde:** Dr. Sharma, the situation in Myanmar remains precarious.What are the key challenges to a viable peace process?



**Dr. Sharma:** There are several complex challenges. Deep divisions within Myanmar society, the military’s entrenched power, and the ongoing conflict between the junta and various armed resistance groups all complicate the path towards peace. The limited access for humanitarian aid further exacerbates the suffering of the Myanmar people.





**archyde:** Thank you so much for sharing your insights, Dr. Sharma.



**Dr. Sharma:** My pleasure. It’s crucial to keep the spotlight on the Myanmar crisis and to support all efforts aimed at a peaceful and democratic future for the country.