Jakarta: Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Tuesday urged the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to reengage with Myanmar, emphasizing that having a stable neighbor is crucial for regional unity.

According to Anadolu Agency, Anutin addressed the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, advocating for a "calibrated re-engagement approach" that keeps dialogue open and adapts to the situation on the ground, while also encouraging concrete progress. He announced that Bangkok will host Myanmar's President Min Aung Hlaing on August 6-7, following an invitation extended by Anutin. This visit marks an effort by Myanmar's leadership to reestablish diplomatic ties after years of international isolation.

ASEAN had largely isolated Myanmar following the 2021 military coup that ousted the elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, resulting in a nationwide civil war that continues to destabilize the country. Min Aung Hlaing assumed the presidency of Myanmar in April this year after elections.

ASEAN continues to uphold the Five-Point Consensus as its primary framework for addressing the situation in Myanmar, which calls for an immediate cessation of violence and encourages dialogue among conflicting parties. Anutin expressed Thailand's support for this consensus as a "guiding framework," while also suggesting adjustments in how ASEAN engages with Myanmar.

He noted that the approach is progressing positively, referencing recent talks between detained former leader Suu Kyi and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), where she "appeared to be in good health." Anutin emphasized that a peaceful and stable Myanmar is not only in Thailand's interest as a neighboring country but is also essential for ASEAN's unity and regional stability.