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Myanmar’s military-backed government has rejected the continued role of ASEAN’s special envoy, deepening tensions with the regional bloc as Thailand pushes for Myanmar to fully re-engage with Southeast Asian nations.
Relations between Myanmar and the 11-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have deteriorated since the military seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021. The takeover triggered a nationwide civil war that has reportedly killed about 100,000 people and displaced millions.
Myanmar’s leaders have been excluded from high-level ASEAN meetings because of their failure to implement the bloc’s five-point consensus, a peace framework intended to help end the conflict.
Myanmar’s foreign ministry said over the weekend that an ASEAN special envoy was no longer necessary, citing elections held in December and January. The polls, widely criticised internationally and held without substantial opposition, were won by a military-backed party. They paved the way for former junta chief Min Aung Hlaing to become president.
The statement came shortly after Min Aung Hlaing visited Bangkok for talks with Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow. Thailand has advocated greater engagement with Myanmar while maintaining that it supports ASEAN’s efforts to restore peace and stability.
Myanmar’s pro-military parliament also passed a motion last month rejecting ASEAN’s five-point consensus, describing the initiative as interference and urging the regional organisation to reconsider its approach.
Tensions have additionally centred on Suu Kyi, who recently met an International Committee of the Red Cross representative. ASEAN subsequently renewed calls for its current Myanmar envoy, the Philippine foreign minister, to meet the detained former leader.
The bloc also called for the unconditional release of Suu Kyi and other political prisoners.
Suu Kyi, 81, is serving an 18-year prison sentence for multiple offences that she denies. Myanmar’s foreign ministry said her sentences had already been reduced on humanitarian grounds but maintained that any full release would have to take place in accordance with the country’s laws.
The dispute highlights continuing divisions between Myanmar and ASEAN over the political crisis, peace efforts and the regional bloc’s role in resolving the conflict.
