Bangkok:Prime Minister Sihasak Sihasak has expressed concerns to Myanmar's Foreign Minister regarding the impact of Myanmar's military operations on Thailand. He disclosed plans to visit Myanmar on November 12 to gather the latest information ahead of the ASEAN Summit.

According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sihasak Phuangketkaew, currently attending the 11th Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Beijing, China, had a 10-minute phone conversation with Myanmar's Foreign Minister, Tin Maung Shwe. Sihasak highlighted concerns about Myanmar's military operations against ethnic minority groups along the Thai-Myanmar border, which have resulted in Thai casualties. He stressed the importance of preventing military operations, especially air attacks, from affecting Thailand.

Sihasak emphasized that Thailand is committed to facilitating Myanmar's reintegration into ASEAN, which requires a reduction in violence in Myanmar. He noted that de-escalation would create a conducive environment for discussions and reconciliation, benefiting ASEAN's approach to Myanmar's participation in regional meetings.

He further stated his intention to discuss with Myanmar's leadership the need to prevent violence from impacting Thailand and the broader de-escalation of violence in Myanmar during his upcoming visit. Sihasak aims to bring the latest insights to ASEAN Foreign Ministers for their recommendations to ASEAN Leaders at the summit.

In response to Thailand's concerns, Sihasak reported that Myanmar's Foreign Minister understood the situation and assured that Myanmar would avoid actions affecting Thailand. He acknowledged that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had effectively communicated its position and hoped for avoidance of future incidents.

Sihasak's visit to Myanmar is expected to be brief, aimed at obtaining current information and potentially aligning with the Philippines' efforts as the ASEAN Special Representative. He reiterated that while Thailand supports Myanmar's reentry into ASEAN, Myanmar must also take steps to facilitate its reintegration.