Thailand Pledges 9 Million Baht in Humanitarian Aid for Myanmar Crisis During ASEAN Meeting

(CTN News) – Thailand has made a big commitment to tackling Myanmar’s protracted situation, giving humanitarian help of 9 million baht.

Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa delivered the crucial statement at the 57th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting and Post-Ministerial Conference in Vientiane, Laos. The US$250,000 commitment will benefit the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Management (AHA Centre).

ASEAN Supports Thailand’s Call for Inclusive Dialogue on Myanmar Crisis

Minister Sangiampongsa stressed the AHA Centre’s important role as the ASEAN body in charge of delivering humanitarian aid. He emphasised that such support should be inclusive, so that every Myanmar resident can profit from it.

“The benefit [from humanitarian assistance] must truly be available to all the people of Myanmar,” said the president. This vow builds on Thailand‘s previous efforts on March 25, when it gave humanitarian aid to the Myanmar government for the construction of the Second Thailand-Myanmar Friendship Bridge in Tak’s Mae Sot district.

In a related event, ASEAN nations expressed support for Thailand’s request to launch an open, inclusive, and constructive dialogue on the Myanmar problem. This dialogue was part of the ASEAN Troika informal meeting, which was attended by Indonesian, Laotian, and Malaysian representatives.

The plan seeks to establish a comprehensive conversation with all important parties, including Myanmar’s neighbours, ASEAN key players such as the United States, China, the United Nations, and Laos, as well as the special envoy for the Myanmar situation.

Furthermore, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi emphasised the importance of delivering effective solutions to Myanmar’s deteriorating situation.

Marsudi also emphasised the need to fight the rise in cross-border crimes, such as online scams and drug smuggling. Her remarks highlight the crisis’s multidimensional nature, calling for a strong international response.

The Myanmar issue has not only caused internal unrest, but it has also had a considerable impact on neighbouring countries and the wider region. Thus, Thailand’s proactive approach and urge for inclusive dialogue represent an important step towards a more stable and peaceful Myanmar.

Details of Thailand’s Previous Humanitarian Efforts and Support for Myanmar

ASEAN intends to build a road ahead that assures the well-being and security of affected populations by increasing humanitarian efforts and fostering conversations with important international players.

Thailand’s dedication, as well as the solidarity of other ASEAN states, highlight the group’s efforts to find constructive and long-term solutions.

The international community is now keeping a close eye on these initiatives, hoping that they would pave the path for a peaceful conclusion in Myanmar, benefiting its inhabitants while also ensuring regional stability.

As the situation progresses, ASEAN and its partners must remain focused on humanitarian assistance and inclusive discussion. This concerted strategy could serve as a model for resolving other regional issues, proving that even in the face of difficulty, collaborative and compassionate action can result in significant change.

Source: Bangkok Post