BANGKOK: Thailand is spearheading a diplomatic push within Southeast Asia, demanding that Myanmar's military junta grant the ASEAN Special Envoy direct, face-to-face access to detained pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
The demand was raised during recent ASEAN meetings, with Thai officials emphasizing that previous attempts at dialogue have been insufficient. The junta has repeatedly denied requests for direct meetings, citing ongoing legal proceedings against Suu Kyi, who has been detained since the February 2021 coup.
ASEAN's special envoy, currently Alounkeo Kittikhoun of Laos, has faced obstacles in engaging with all stakeholders in Myanmar's conflict. The bloc's five-point consensus, agreed in 2021, calls for constructive dialogue but has seen little progress.
Thailand's move comes amid growing frustration within ASEAN over the junta's refusal to comply with the consensus. Neighboring countries have also expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis and instability along Myanmar's borders.
Myanmar's military government has not officially responded to the latest demand. Suu Kyi, 81, is serving a 27-year prison sentence on charges widely seen as politically motivated.
