BANGKOK — Myanmar’s new President Min Aung Hlaing is weighing “good things” for detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi, Thailand’s Foreign Minister revealed, signaling potential steps toward normalizing ties with ASEAN after five years of isolation.
In a meeting with Thai diplomat Sihasak Phuangketkeow, the junta chief-turned-president assured that the 80-year-old Nobel laureate, held since the 2021 coup, is “well looked after.” Mr. Sihasak relayed ASEAN’s widespread concerns over her welfare, prompting Mr. Min Aung Hlaing’s vague nod to positive considerations without specifics.
“Many ASEAN countries worry about Aung San Suu Kyi’s well-being, and he said they are considering good things,this could be positive,” Mr. Sihasak noted. “They’re showing movement in a better direction, essential for their ASEAN return. We want to help, but they must help themselves.”
Daughter of independence hero Aung San, Ms. Suu Kyi faces a 27-year sentence,recently cut by one-sixth in a prisoner amnesty that freed her ally, ex-President Win Myint, for charges allies deem politically driven, including incitement, corruption, election fraud, and state secrets violations. Her exact location remains undisclosed.
Mr. Min Aung Hlaing’s recent parliamentary election as president, via an army-backed vote lacking opposition, has drawn scant international backing, with Western critics labeling it a facade for military dominance. At his inauguration, he pledged focus on peace, reconciliation, and global outreach.
Thailand stands ready to aid Myanmar’s civil war resolution and ASEAN détente, Mr. Sihasak affirmed in government video remarks. Myanmar state media covered the Naypyitaw talks but omitted any reference to Ms. Suu Kyi.