Former Thai Foreign Minister and UN experts condemn Bangkok’s engagement with Myanmar regime

Former Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya and three former U.N. human rights experts from the Special Advisory Council for Myanmar (SAC-M) have issued a joint statement sharply criticizing Bangkok’s diplomatic engagement with Myanmar regime leader Min Aung Hlaing during his visit with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

The group warned that Thailand’s bilateral outreach has shattered ASEAN’s unified stance, emboldened military aggression, and severely threatened regional stability.

Key fallout from the Bangkok summit

• Rejection of ASEAN Envoy: Immediately following Min Aung Hlaing’s return from Thailand, the regime rejected a request by Philippine Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro—acting as Special Envoy of the ASEAN 2026 Chair—to meet with detained State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.

• Disengagement from ASEAN Mechanisms: The regime declared the ASEAN Special Envoy position “no longer necessary” ahead of Singapore assuming the ASEAN Chair, while accusing the bloc of “discriminatory treatment” and threatening countermeasures.

• Escalated Civilian Attacks: Following the visit, regime forces launched targeted airstrikes against flood-affected civilians in Sagaing Region and blocked humanitarian aid deliveries.

• Forthcoming Visits: Thailand is reportedly preparing to host General Ye Win Oo, the newly-appointed military Commander-in-Chief responsible for directing severe human rights abuses against political prisoners.