Thai MP Kannavee Suebsang has raised questions through social media regarding the response of ASEAN Chair and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to Myanmar military leader Min Aung Hlaing’s actions. The MP criticized the ASEAN leaders’ silence despite ongoing airstrikes and violence against Myanmar civilians by the military council. While the ASEAN Chair and former Thai Prime Minister have engaged in mediation efforts with Min Aung Hlaing, the MP pointed out that the military council’s brutal actions continue unabated.
The MP detailed Min Aung Hlaing’s recent actions, noting that the recent amnesty primarily released criminal offenders rather than political prisoners, with over 22,000 political prisoners still detained, including Aung San Suu Kyi and other political leaders. He emphasized that despite ongoing airstrikes and civilian killings by the military council, ASEAN leaders have failed to take effective action. The MP specifically questioned why the Malaysian Prime Minister and former Thai Prime Minister remain silent about Min Aung Hlaing’s actions after meeting with him and engaging in diplomatic negotiations.
The MP stressed that ASEAN leaders who met with Min Aung Hlaing in Thailand must be accountable to the people of Myanmar, Thailand, and Malaysia for their diplomatic engagement, particularly given that the military council’s violence has not ceased despite these negotiations. While the military council talks about holding elections, the MP pointed out that genuine democratic elections are impossible while political leaders remain imprisoned and violence against civilians continues. The situation raises serious questions about the effectiveness of ASEAN’s diplomatic approach and the responsibility of regional leaders in addressing the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.
