Sihasak to urge curbs to violence on trip

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow will visit Myanmar on Nov 12 to urge a reduction in violence, prevent conflict from spilling across the border and assess the country's readiness to re-engage with Asean.

Mr Sihasak, who was in Beijing on Wednesday to attend the 11th Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) forum, raised the concerns during a 10-minute telephone conversation with Myanmar Foreign Minister Than Swe.

Speaking to the media afterwards, Mr Sihasak said Thailand was concerned about military operations by Myanmar's government forces against ethnic minority armed groups near the Thai-Myanmar border, which have affected Thailand and left Thai nationals injured.

He stressed that Myanmar's military operations must not affect Thailand, particularly airstrikes on military bases, which should be conducted as far from the border as possible.

Mr Sihasak said Thailand also wanted Myanmar to respond to concerns raised by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), particularly the need to reduce violence.

De-escalation would create a more favourable environment for dialogue and the reconciliation process needed to achieve peace in Myanmar, he said.

Progress on these issues would help Asean leaders consider Myanmar's future participation in the bloc's meetings, he added.

Mr Sihasak said Thailand regarded Myanmar's return to Asean meetings as important, but added that the country must address concerns shared by Asean members and the international community.

He will make a one-day visit to Myanmar on Nov 12, ahead of the Asean Summit in the Philippines from Nov 16-18, to discuss the issues with Myanmar officials.

He also said he was coordinating a meeting with Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing to hear the country's latest position before Asean foreign ministers make recommendations to their leaders.

Mr Sihasak said Mr Than Swe acknowledged Thailand's concerns and promised to convey them to Myanmar's leadership. Myanmar would also try to avoid military operations that could affect Thailand, he said.

Meanwhile, the Rajamanu Task Force fired warning illumination rounds near the border in Tak's Mae Sot district at 7.15pm on Tuesday after stray bullets from clashes between Myanmar troops and ethnic minority resistance forces crossed into Thailand.

The response was carried out in accordance with the rules of engagement (ROE).

Authorities subsequently stepped up patrols and surveillance along the border to prevent further cross-border incidents.