Thailand and Myanmar hold talks to re-engage with Naypidaw and Asean after strained ties


Myanmar's Foreign Minister Than Swe and Thailand's Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow react after bilateral talks, to discuss the way forward in Thailand-Myanmar relations and Myanmar relations with ASEAN following Myanmar’s general election earlier this year, in Phuket, Thailand, February 18, 2026. -- Photo: REUTERS/Pattarakrich Kittitananithi

BANGKOK (Bernama): Thailand and Myanmar are discussing reviving Myanmar's ties with Asean after relations with the regional bloc deteriorated following the military takeover five years ago.

Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow held an informal discussion with his Myanmar counterpart, U Than Swe, in Phuket on Wednesday. 

Both ministers discussed a wide range of current issues, including Asean and tackling online scams.

"Both ministers exchanged views on the way forward to promote a calibrated re-engagement between Asean and Myanmar, with Thailand acting as a bridge.”

"Thailand will continue to encourage positive developments in Myanmar, taking into account the completion of elections and the upcoming formation of the new Myanmar government,” the Thai Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.

Meanwhile, state media The Global New Light of Myanmar said both delegations discussed intensifying efforts in tackling transnational crimes such as online scams, human trafficking, and drug trafficking.

Myanmar concluded its three-phase elections on Jan 25, following the first phase on Dec 28 last year and the second on Jan 11. This was the first election since the military ousted the civilian government in February 2021.

According to media reports, the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party is set to form the new government soon after securing a landslide victory. - Bernama

 

 

 

 

 

 

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
Thailand , Myanmar , Asean , reengagement , elections

Next In Aseanplus News

Pezeshkian says Iran will not bow to pressure amid US nuclear talks
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Saturday (Feb 21, 2026)
Health Ministry accelerates efforts to strengthen food safety control to achieve target by 2030
Japan issues travel alert for over 50 countries amid Middle East escalation and issues
'Still a shocker' - Audrey Fang's death: Family asks Spain court to extend suspect Mitchell Ong’s detention by two years
Indonesia did not pay US$1bil to join the Board of Peace, says Foreign Minister Sugiono
Golf-Rahm left out as DP World Tour grants LIV releases, Ryder Cup future uncertain
Turkish Red Crescent aid continues to flow into Gaza after the reopening of Rafah crossing
Philippine senator calls out China in visit to disputed island
Cricket-India skipper Suryakumar backs opener Sharma despite three ducks in T20 World Cup

Others Also Read