Thailand adjusts its policy to Myanmar within ASEAN framework

Acting President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and State Security and Peace Commission Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing received a delegation led by Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) Air Chief Marshal Sakesan Kantha at Zeyathiri Beikman in Nay Pyi Taw on Feb. 25.

Myanmar Acting President Min Aung Hlaing shakes hands with Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force Marshal Sakesan Kantha in Nay Pyi Taw on Feb. 25.

This meeting represents a continuation of Thailand's "engagement diplomacy" following Myanmar's recent elections. Its purpose is to stabilize the border situation and restore economic exchanges. From a geopolitical perspective, this is Thailand's pragmatic policy adjustment towards Myanmar within the ASEAN framework.

As Thailand shares a border section with Myanmar, the Thai interests lie in ensuring border stability and preventing the spillover of armed conflicts. Thailand hopes to establish a more effective border security mechanism through military-to-military communication to prevent Myanmar's internal conflict from affecting Thai territory.

Myanmar imposed restrictions on Thai imports due to foreign exchange shortages, causing the prices of Thai goods in Myanmar to soar. Thailand aims to use this high-level interaction to normalize bilateral trade and goods flows, alleviating economic pressure in the border areas.

Following Myanmar's elections, Thailand has stepped up its diplomatic engagement with Myanmar, attempting to assist Myanmar in returning to the ASEAN framework. This military meeting marks another important contact after recent talks between the Thai and Myanmar foreign ministers on Phuket Island.

While engaging with the military government, Thailand also faces domestic pressure to engage with Myanmar's National Unity Government (NUG) and ethnic groups. Consequently, Thailand's diplomatic posture remains cautious, avoiding being perceived as fully endorsing the military government.

Despite being a visit by Thai air force commander, this meeting features subdued military tones, leaning more towards symbolic friendly exchanges. Both sides emphasized their willingness to cooperate in disaster response and aerial emergency rescue, attempting to frame the military cooperation as a measure benefiting the people's livelihood.