Opposing Sides in Myanmar Conflict Open to Dialogue, Thai Foreign Minister Says

What happened

According to a press briefing by Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow reported by DVB English, Myanmar’s opposing sides, including regime-backed negotiators and various ethnic armed groups, have held separate talks acknowledging there is no military solution to the ongoing civil war. ASEAN’s special envoy and Thailand are prepared to host future peace negotiations, aiming to revive stalled ASEAN peace efforts.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. The discussions involved ASEAN’s envoy Maria Theresa Lazaro and Thai officials meeting with six ethnic armed groups such as the Karen National Union and the Karenni National Progressive Party. While these groups are open to dialogue, they have yet to agree on a common approach and are still working to find consensus, as reported by Sihasak.

The Myanmar regime’s National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee also participated in separate talks, with all parties agreeing that a military resolution is not in their interest. Thailand and ASEAN hope to eventually arrange talks that include detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi, as part of the broader peace plan known as the Five-Point Consensus.

Known from the source

• ASEAN’s special envoy and Thai officials have held separate talks with Myanmar’s regime-backed negotiators and some ethnic armed groups.
• All sides reportedly recognise there is no military solution to the civil war in Myanmar.
• Ethnic armed groups involved include the Karen National Union and Karenni National Progressive Party.
• Myanmar’s regime negotiators under the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee also participated in discussions.
• Thailand is ready to facilitate and provide venues for future peace talks.

What remains unclear

Despite this apparent willingness, the current stage is described as ‘talks for talks,’ focusing on procedural issues such as how and where formal negotiations would occur. The situation remains fluid and without a clear unified position from all armed groups or endorsement from all conflict participants.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Verification that all mentioned ethnic armed groups are fully engaged and unified in their willingness to enter peace talks. Clarification on whether any timelines for actual negotiation rounds have been set by ASEAN or Thailand. Confirmation of any direct statements or acceptance of the Five-Point Consensus by the Myanmar regime and armed groups.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: DVB English. Open the source.