Thailand pledges support of National Ceasefire Agreement in Myanmar
Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, head of the military council, center in the first row, and Deputy chairman of State Administration Council, Vice Senior Gen. Soe Win, center left in the first row, and other attendees sit for a group photo after a ceremony to mark the 8th anniversary of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) at the Myanmar International Convention Center in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023. (AP Photo/Aung Shine Oo)
Thailand has pledged support for the National Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) in Myanmar, during the commemoration of its 8th anniversary in Naypyidaw on Monday, according to the website of Myanmar’s Ministry of Information.
Deputy Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said that Thailand fully supports the NCA and its vision, which is aimed at “securing an enduring peace based in the principles of dignity and justice through an inclusive political dialogue process involving all relevant stakeholders.”
Sihasak made the remark during his speech to celebrate the 8th anniversary of the NCA. Thailand considers the agreement as an important milestone in the peace process for Myanmar, to which it has rendered support from the start.
He pointed out that Thailand believes that the path toward peace in any country must be determined by its own people. The peace process in Myanmar must be Myanmar-led and Myanmar-owned, based on dialogue and reconciliation. “The peace, stability and prosperity of Myanmar and Thailand are closely linked and intertwined. As the next-door neighbour, Thailand remains steadfast in our commitment to forging a true partnership of mutual understanding, mutual respect and mutual benefit with Myanmar,” he added.
Thailand, he reiterated, would like to urge all parties in Myanmar to stay the course on this path. We urge all parties to persevere and overcome the challenges that lie ahead, to find a way forward for the benefit of the people of Myanmar. “As we witness the events unfolding around the world, we are reminded that it is imperative to safeguard our peace and security. The path toward peace is never easy, with many challenges. It requires resolve, courage and leadership. Peace can only succeed through engagement, dialogue and reconciliation,” he added.
In closing, Sihasak said that a peaceful, stable and prosperous Myanmar is in Thailand’s interests and the interests of the region and ASEAN as a whole.
The NCA was signed in 2015 between the Myanmar government and various ethnic armed organisations. The anniversary was also attended by the Chinese special envoy, Deng Xijun and Indian Deputy National Security Adviser Vikram Misri.
By Kavi Chongkittavorn
