ASEAN marks 12 July as the day to discuss Myanmar after 5 years of sanctions, with Thailand as co-host and the Philippines presiding, pushing the Five-Point Consensus forward.
On 10 July 2026, Mrs. Maratee Nalita Andamo, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Information and Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced updates on the regional situation. She stated that Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkaew, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, is scheduled to attend an informal meeting between ASEAN foreign ministers and Myanmar's foreign minister, as well as an expanded informal discussion on Myanmar. Thailand will co-host this meeting on 12 July, chaired by Mrs. Maria Teresa P. Lazaro, the Philippine Foreign Minister, who serves as ASEAN Chair and ASEAN Special Envoy on Myanmar.
This informal meeting represents an important step and a new dimension in regional diplomacy after ASEAN imposed political sanctions and downgraded ties with Myanmar's military government for over five years without tangible positive progress. The main aim is to open a window for ASEAN foreign ministers and Myanmar’s new foreign minister to exchange candid views, build comprehensive understanding of the current situation, and seek ways to advance peace efforts under the "Five-Point Consensus" framework to make it effective.
"This meeting is purely informal, allowing for straightforward exchange of views without issuing a joint statement or legally binding commitments that would alter ASEAN’s existing stance on Myanmar. It is a gradual, principled interaction aimed at fostering the most positive developments possible in Myanmar," the Deputy Spokesperson emphasized.
When asked about other ASEAN members' agreement to hold this meeting, Mrs. Maratee explained that due to time constraints for the Sunday meeting, she was cautious about premature conclusions. However, she believed that overall the countries agreed, as they have gradually confirmed participation by sending senior representatives and foreign ministers alternately. The recent Myanmar elections were the key catalyst for this forum, which Mr. Sihasak, Thailand’s Foreign Minister, has repeatedly stressed should be used as an opportunity to open diplomatic channels to voice regional concerns and receive progress reports from Myanmar.
Regarding questions on whether ASEAN would raise issues about aligning to counter opposing great powers or energy transition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson clarified that the Sunday meeting’s agenda will be strictly limited to Myanmar issues. The focus will be on humanitarian aid for people affected by the conflict and fostering a conducive atmosphere for dialogue between Myanmar’s government and ethnic groups. Should this initial process progress well, broader regional topics may be considered later within ASEAN’s framework.