Thai Government Warned Against Aligning with Myanmar Military Regime

The Thai government must tread cautiously in its approach toward regional issues, warns a Fair Party MP. He emphasized that Thailand should avoid aligning itself with Min Aung Hlaing’s military dictatorship or allowing external powers, such as China, to exploit the situation for their benefit. ASEAN, he noted, should maintain its policy of addressing all problems with neutrality and balanced diplomacy.

The MP highlighted the imprisonment of Thai fishermen as a clear display of the Myanmar military’s disregard for diplomacy and human rights. This act sends a strong message that the military is unwilling to yield or accommodate Thailand’s interests. He described the detention as part of a broader political strategy, where the military dictatorship aims to assert dominance over Thailand and other neighboring countries.

Thailand faces additional challenges involving the Wa Army and the millions of Burmese workers, both legal and illegal, residing within its borders. The military regime seeks to extract taxes from these workers and gather intelligence about their activities. Furthermore, Thailand plays a critical role in handling issues related to refugees, asylum seekers, and ethnic armed groups, making it deeply entwined in the regional power dynamics.

According to the MP, the military’s shifting strategy is designed to pressure Thailand and other countries into concessions. This calculated move is also intended to project the image of the military regime as a dominant power in Southeast Asia. By doing so, the junta aims to showcase its ability to suppress dissent and maintain control over movements that could threaten its authority.

The MP urged the Thai government to resist any influence that could undermine its sovereignty or contribute to the legitimization of the military dictatorship. He called for stronger collaboration within ASEAN to counterbalance the military’s tactics and ensure stability in the region.