The inaugural meeting of the special task force to address the situation arising from Myanmar’s conflict has been scheduled for January 13, following months of delay, an informed government source said.
The special task force, chaired by Foreign Minister Maris Sagiampongsa, comprises senior officials from key ministries and agencies, including the Interior Ministry, Defence Ministry, Foreign Ministry, and National Security Council.
The previous task force was dissolved when former Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara abruptly resigned in May. Maris now heads the task force and coordinates with relevant government agencies to manage the ongoing crisis.
One of the task force’s primary roles is to closely monitor the situation and develop comprehensive strategies to address the immediate and long-term impacts of the conflict.
Under Parnpree's leadership, the task force oversaw the first humanitarian aid efforts for those affected by the conflict. It also conducted numerous peace advocacy initiatives aimed at encouraging all stakeholders to engage in dialogue.
Thailand recently hosted two meetings addressing the Myanmar crisis. The first meeting involved countries sharing borders with Myanmar, including Laos, China, India, Bangladesh, and Thailand. Myanmar representatives briefed these nations on its electoral plans for next year.
The second meeting involved ASEAN representatives, excluding Myanmar, who reviewed the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus and reaffirmed the framework's relevance as agreed upon in April 2021.
At the meeting, Thailand emphasized that Myanmar’s planned elections must be inclusive.
The task force is also responsible for overseeing the distribution of humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict.
