CNI News

29 July 2023

There are reviews and discussions among political circles local and abroad regarding up to what status has been built in the military relation between Thailand and Myanmar.

There had been the military relation between the two countries since before and it was difficult to say whether it was the relation between the two civilian governments or not, said Yebaw Sonny from All Burma Students' Democratic Front (ABSDF) to CNI News.

"There has been the previously-existed military relation between the two countries up to now, I think. But based on that relation, I wonder if they have built the relation between the two civilian governments. It's very difficult to review. They will know themselves what kind of relation has been built."

Myanmar Army Chief of Defense General Min Aung Hlaing during a meeting in Rakhine State

There has been friendly relation between the Tatmadaw and Thai army and Thai Foreign Minister and senior officials often come to Myanmar after the Tatmadaw has taken the power on 1st February, 2021. 

There are often meetings and discussions between the two armies and no matter what government takes power, Thai policy relating to the Tatmadaw would not change, Ko Banyar, director of Kareni Human Rights Organization to CNI News.

"There was a military meeting between the two armies under the heading of being enable Thailand and Myanmar to live together in peace forever in Chinmai in the last week of June. Thai Foreign Minister is also very friendly with the Tatmadaw and Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing has been very friendly with Prayut, Thai PM since before. There are common interests and thoughts between the two armies. So, Thai military policy relating to Myanmar will not easily change. There are a lot of Thai interest. No matter which party takes power in Thailand, there's still the influence of the Thai King." he said.

Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing was meeting with Don Pramudwinai, Thai Deputy Prime Minister

There are still cooperation in border affairs, trade and security between the two armies. Moreover, Myanmar ethnic armed organizations have been active along the border, there are good relations between the two armies, according to some reviews.