Thailand hopes to be 'bridge' for Myanmar, ASEANーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Key Concepts

• Myanmar & ASEAN: Reintegration of Myanmar into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) following the 2021 coup and recent elections.
• Maritime Security Cooperation: Japan’s training program for Southeast Asian Coast Guard personnel focused on vessel tracking and monitoring.
• Ramadan Observance: The commencement of the holy month of Ramadan in Indonesia and Pakistan, including associated religious practices and security concerns.
• Indo-Pacific Strategy: Japan’s efforts to promote a “free and open Indo-Pacific” through maritime security cooperation.

Thailand’s Role in Myanmar-ASEAN Relations

Thai Foreign Minister Sak Pong Gao has expressed Thailand’s desire to facilitate Myanmar’s return to ASEAN. This proposition follows the recent general election in Myanmar, which resulted in a decisive victory for the military-backed political party. The discussion occurred during a meeting between Sak Pong Gao and Myanmar’s military-appointed Foreign Minister Tansu on the Thai island of Phuket. Currently, ASEAN has suspended Myanmar’s participation in key summits since the 2021 military coup.

Sak Pong Gao emphasized that Myanmar must actively work towards regaining its position within ASEAN. Specifically, he stated, “The Myanmar side must help Thailand too. Meaning they should respond to the concerns of Asan and the international community.” This includes a demonstrable reduction in violence and cessation of attacks against civilians. The election itself, conducted in phases during December and January, was presented by the junta (Huta) as a step towards civilian rule. However, its legitimacy has been widely questioned internationally due to the exclusion of pro-democracy parties. Foreign ministers debated endorsing the election but failed to reach a consensus.

Japan’s Maritime Security Training in Southeast Asia

The Japan Coast Guard conducted a training session for officials from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia, aimed at bolstering their capabilities in tracking and monitoring suspicious vessels. The training took place in the Java Sea and involved the deployment of a Coast Guard aircraft to Jakarta, Indonesia. Ten officials representing the Indonesian Maritime Security Agency and organizations from the Philippines and Malaysia participated.

The training focused on practical skills, including the use of radar to determine ship size and location, and operation of cameras capable of automated object tracking. Japan views this cooperation as crucial for maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean, articulating its goal to “protect the rule of law at sea and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.” Japan has a history of supporting Indonesia’s maritime capabilities, but Indonesia is simultaneously strengthening its maritime ties with China, a growing presence in the South China Sea.

Ramadan Celebrations and Security Concerns in Indonesia and Pakistan

The holy month of Ramadan has commenced across Asia, with significant observances in Indonesia and Pakistan, which collectively represent the world’s largest Muslim populations. Indonesia, with a population exceeding 280 million, is approximately 90% Muslim. During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. Large crowds gathered at the Istiklal Mosque in Jakarta, the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, in anticipation of the first day of fasting.

In Pakistan, where roughly 97% of the population practices Islam, Ramadan began on Thursday, following Afghanistan’s commencement a day earlier. The closure of restaurants during daylight hours has significantly impacted business activity in areas like central Islamabad. However, the period also carries heightened security risks. Concerns about potential violence, exacerbated by recent suicide bombings, have prompted increased police presence in areas with large gatherings, such as mosques and marketplaces, particularly after sunset.

Reporting Locations: D Saba Bulletin and Chola Pansan in Bangkok.