In February, Sihasak called for a “calibrated re-engagement” with Myanmar after holding informal talks with his counterpart Than Swe in Phuket. The move drew criticism from those who accused Thailand of helping to normalise the military regime.
Asked whether Myanmar’s leaders could be allowed back by the time Thailand assumes the ASEAN chairmanship from Singapore in 2028, Sihasak said the decision would depend on developments inside the country and a collective decision by ASEAN member states.
“It depends on first how the situation in Myanmar evolves, and it also depends on the decision to be taken by ASEAN collectively,” he said.
“Our goal is to have Myanmar return to ASEAN, because ASEAN is not a complete family without the participation of Myanmar.”
But Sihasak also noted that Myanmar has to “work hard to regain its place in ASEAN.”
“It’s not Thailand’s decision,” he said.
Sihasak added that he would carry that message during his visit to Naypyidaw, while expressing hope for progress on the Five-Point Consensus.
