Thailand’s foreign minister said on Tuesday he plans to invite his Myanmar counterpart to meet senior ASEAN diplomats, aiming to forge bloc-wide consensus for greater engagement with Myanmar’s military-backed government. The diplomatic push comes as the war-torn nation remains under junta control following the 2021 overthrow of Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected administration.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations has barred Myanmar’s junta leaders from high-level meetings since the 2021 coup, citing the bloc’s non-interference principles and demands for progress on a peace roadmap. Thailand’s proposal signals a potential shift toward re-engagement despite ongoing conflict and international sanctions against the military regime.

Bangkok did not specify timing or format for the proposed talks, which would require approval from other ASEAN members. The initiative aligns with regional efforts to stabilize Myanmar as humanitarian conditions worsen and fighting intensifies between junta forces and ethnic armed groups.

ASEAN member states are expected to review Thailand’s proposal ahead of scheduled diplomatic consultations later this month. The bloc’s chair will determine whether to convene informal talks with Myanmar’s foreign ministry under current exclusion guidelines.