Govt 'ready to act' as Asean mediator

Thailand is ready to act as a mediator to help restore relations between Asean and Myanmar, Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said after a meeting with the National Security Council (NSC) yesterday.

- MONGKOL BANGPRAPA

The meeting was called to assess the latest situation in Myanmar following the recent elections and discuss ways to engage the country's military authorities, as well as the ethnic armed groups along the border with Thailand.

Officials also covered ways to boost cooperation on combating scam operations, transnational crime, drug trafficking and environmental pollution affecting shared river systems, as well as reviving border trade disrupted by the conflict in Myanmar.

He said the goal is to reduce tensions, restore stability, and clarify Thailand's diplomatic position on the crisis.