Malaysia says Myanmar ‘more open’ to dialogue; Thai accused of murder stands trial for immigration offense

Malaysia says Myanmar ‘more open’ to dialogue

In a cautious but notable shift in diplomacy, Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan revealed that Burma’s new administration led by Min Aung Hlaing, who was inaugurated president by a pro-military parliament on April 10, appears significantly more receptive to regional peace recommendations than his previous regime, which seized power during the military coup on Feb. 1, 2021.

Speaking before Malaysia’s Parliament on Thursday, Hasan summarized his high-level diplomatic mission to Naypyidaw in May, where he met with the regime’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Tin Maung Swe. The meeting marked a clear contrast to previous rounds of gridlocked diplomacy, particularly when Malaysia chaired the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2025.

“I see that the Myanmar side this time seemed more open to the suggestions that were expressed compared to our previous interaction, when Malaysia was the chair of ASEAN last year,” Hasan told lawmakers. While the regional peace plan has largely been viewed as a failure due to Min Aung Hlaing’s absolute refusal to engage with opponents he labeled “terrorists,” Hasan’s briefing hinted at a small tactical opening. Read more

Thai accused of murder stands trial for immigration offense

A Thai woman appeared in the Kamayut Township court on Tuesday in her trial on an immigration-related charge linked to allegations that she killed her ex-husband, a U.S. diplomat, according to an attorney familiar with her case. Pavinee Supasirivisan is also charged with murder for the unnamed diplomat’s death last month, but is first standing trial on a charge of violating Burma’s immigration code.

Three prosecution witnesses, including immigration officers, testified during the hearing, according to the attorney who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity. The attorney said she had two legal representatives in court but did not have further details and it was not clear whether she had entered a plea. The charge carries a sentence ranging from six months to five years.

Witnesses testified at her trial but no further details were provided by an official from Kamayut’s immigration and population department. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak with the press. It was not immediately clear how long the trial might last, nor when she would be tried on the charge of murder, which carries a possible sentence ranging from 10 years in prison to the death penalty.