26-05-2025
Ex-Thai DPM commends Anwar's proactive Approach To Myanmar crisis
Dr Surakiart Sathirathai delivering a speech at the 'Myanmar 2025: The Prospects for Sustainable Peace' held at Australian National University on April 30, 2025. Photo credit: Bangkok-based Asian Peace and Reconciliation Council
Dr Surakiart Sathirathai speaking at the APRC Roundtable Discussion on Myanmar 2025 Going Forward held on April 21, 2025. credit: Bangkok-based Asian Peace and Reconciliation Council
From Vijian Paramasivam
PHNOM PENH, May 26 (Bernama) -- Former Thai Deputy Prime Minister Prof Dr Surakiart Sathirathai has praised Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for taking a proactive approach as ASEAN Chair 2025 in efforts to help resolve the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.
'ASEAN countries should support Anwar in convincing all sides in Myanmar to initiate a real ceasefire. And convince all sides to have an inclusive dialogue.
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'The Myanmar government would have to look at ways and means to include all parties involved in the conflict and the opposition groups would have to also think of how they can be more practical,' Surakiart, who is also former Thai Foreign Minister, told Bernama in an interview from Bangkok.
Anwar had met Myanmar military leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and held online dialogue with National Unity Government Prime Minister Mahn Winn Khaing Thann during his visit to Bangkok in April.
'I call it principled pragmatism,' Surakiart added.
The veteran politician served as Thailand's deputy prime minister between 2005 and 2006 and was the foreign minister from 2001 to 2005.
He is currently the chairman of the Asian Peace and Reconciliation Council, a non-governmental organisation that gathers thought leaders and experts on security, peace and conflict management for peace and reconciliation in Asia.
Surakiart also urged ASEAN to play a more constructive role in the forthcoming election or it will be a futile attempt to promote democratic values and end the civil war.
