In New Delhi, on Monday, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, the Thai vice minister for foreign affairs, underscored the urgency of accelerating endeavors aimed at fostering a strategic partnership between Thailand and India.
As part of the entourage accompanying Thai Deputy Prime Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara on an official visit, Phuangketkeow articulated the necessity for Thailand and fellow members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to collaborate with India in addressing the crisis unfolding in Myanmar. He stressed that while external intervention is limited in its efficacy, regional stakeholders must work collectively to implement ASEAN’s five-point consensus formula to navigate a resolution to the Myanmar crisis.
Speaking at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), Phuangketkeow highlighted the shared impact of developments post the 2021 coup in Myanmar on Thailand and India. He emphasized the imperative for concerted efforts between Thailand and India to engage in dialogue and partnership concerning Myanmar.
Nonetheless, Phuangketkeow cautioned against excessive reliance on external actors, reiterating that the ultimate solution to Myanmar's predicament lies with the internal stakeholders. While external players can play a facilitating role, he emphasized the inherent responsibility of Myanmar's parties to determine the country's future course.
Expressing criticism of ASEAN's principle of non-interference, Phuangketkeow argued that rigid adherence to this principle could impede progress on critical issues. In the context of Myanmar, he suggested that discussions about domestic affairs within ASEAN aim to provide support to member states grappling with challenges. He cautioned against misusing the principle of non-interference as a shield for actions detrimental to the populace.
Addressing the protracted crisis in Myanmar, Phuangketkeow advocated for expediting efforts to actualize ASEAN's five-point consensus. He emphasized the importance of reducing violence, halting hostilities, providing humanitarian aid, and fostering dialogue as key steps toward addressing the crisis.
Furthermore, Phuangketkeow stressed the imperative of advancing initiatives to establish a strategic partnership between Thailand and India, a proposition initially broached over a decade ago. Against the backdrop of India's strategic partnerships with other ASEAN members, he underscored the need for Thailand and India to elevate their relationship to a commensurate level.
With the bilateral joint commission meeting scheduled for Tuesday, co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Bahiddha-Nukara and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Phuangketkeow expressed optimism that Thailand can persuade India of the timeliness of transitioning towards a strategic partnership that aligns with the depth of their bilateral ties.
