Sihasak to visit Myanmar for talks on conflict, border issues

Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow will visit Myanmar on Thursday for talks with the country’s leaders about the ongoing conflict, border security, trade and cross-border pollution.

Mr Sihasak said on Wednesday that he would meet with President Min Aung Hlaing, the vice-president and the foreign minister in Nay Pyi Taw, the capital.

The discussions will focus on four key issues, including the latest developments within Myanmar, which Thailand wants to assess before the upcoming Asean meetings.

Thailand is also concerned about fighting along the Thai-Myanmar border, particularly airstrikes and stray bullets entering Thai territory and causing damage.

Border trade and transport disruptions will also be raised, particularly on the Mae Sot-Myawaddy route. Despite the reopening of border checkpoints, security concerns and Myanmar’s import licensing requirements continue to hamper trade and affect Thai business operating in the country, according to the minister.

The fourth issue is pollution in the Kok and Sai rivers, which Thailand says has become increasingly serious.

Wastewater from mining activities in areas that the Myanmar military does not control has caused water quality in the Sai River to deteriorate significantly, Thai researchers have found.

• Commentary: Mining pushing Sai river to disaster