Thailand’s Parliament House hosted a two-day seminar on Saturday and Sunday on the topic of Myanmar’s ongoing conflict and its implications for security along the countries’ troubled border, as well for Thailand more broadly and for the region.
Organized by the House Committee on National Security, Border Affairs and National Reform, the event, “Fostering Sustainable Peace and Security: Thailand and ASEAN’s Path towards Border Stability and Democracy” was joined by officials from the Thai Foreign Affairs Ministry and military, as well as representatives of anti-regime organizations from Myanmar, human rights groups, and UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Myanmar Tom Andrews.
Since the military coup in 2021, Thailand’s peace and security have been seriously impacted by frequent clashes between Myanmar resistance forces and the regime’s military near the Thai border; flourishing telecom scam centers in border areas; refugees; and large-scale migration of young people seeking to evade the junta’s forced conscription, among other issues.
The junta has lost territory in a majority of Myanmar’s ethnic states; as a result, it has lost control of most of Myanmar’s borders. Despite this, the regime plans to hold an election either late this year or in early 2026.
Andrews urged Thailand not to support the junta’s election, which he said wouldn’t be democratic as Myanmar’s opposition leaders and many of its journalists have been detained.
Major General Wichai Semathong, director of the Operations Bureau of the Royal Thai Army’s Army Operations Department, told the audience he didn’t think the junta would be able to hold the election this year given its significant losses on many fronts.
He also discussed Russia’s growing influence in Myanmar. On the junta’s plan to build a nuclear plant with Moscow’s support, the major general said Thailand is keeping an eye on the issue amid concerns that Myanmar plans to follow a nuclear path similar to North Korea’s.
Wong Chen, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Malaysian Parliament, also raised concerns over Myanmar’s nuclear power plant plans. He urged the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to oppose the project, emphasizing the region’s commitment to remaining nuclear-free and advocacy of renewable energy sources.
Rangsiman Rome, chairman of the Thai House Committee on National Security, stated that over 7 million refugees have fled to Thailand due to the conflict and the economic crisis in Myanmar. He highlighted concerns over increased illegal activities such as drug trafficking and financial scams, which he said are affecting Thailand’s economy.
He emphasized the importance of democratic processes in Myanmar, stating that elections under the military government would not reflect the people’s will. He suggested that Thailand take an active role in facilitating dialogue between different factions in Myanmar while involving the international community, including ASEAN members and important players like Malaysia and Japan.
Security experts reported on the conflict’s impact on Thailand, noting that while Thai forces are not directly involved in combat, the situation has led to security challenges. They stated that despite the military setbacks, Myanmar’s internal conflict remains at a stalemate, with neither side gaining a decisive advantage.
The panelists concluded that ASEAN must take a more formal approach that engages all parties to Myanmar’s crisis. They proposed halting arms flows and financial transactions that fuel the conflict while seeking a long-term resolution to restore stability in Myanmar and the broader region.
