CNI News
April 22, 2026
Political analysts and diplomats are closely observing whether the upcoming visit of Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Sihasak, to Myanmar can end the country’s isolation and facilitate its reintegration into ASEAN.
President U Min Aung Hlaing stated during the first regular session of the Third Union Parliament (Pyidaungsu Hluttaw) on April 10, 2026, that as Myanmar is an ASEAN member state, it will strive to restore regular relations with the bloc.
Mr. Sihasak is scheduled to arrive in Myanmar on April 22, 2026, and is expected to meet with President U Min Aung Hlaing. This will be the first visit by an ASEAN member state official to the new government following the elections in Myanmar.
A political analyst told CNI News that the stance of neighboring Thailand is crucial for improving relations between Myanmar and ASEAN. He suggested that progress is possible if the government implements ASEAN’s consensus agreements.
The vacant Myanmar seat at an ASEAN meeting.
"It depends on the decisions of the respective governments and how Myanmar responds. If Thailand is satisfied with the response, they will report back to their government. If the Thai government recognizes [the new administration], other countries might follow suit. Currently, most countries are reluctant to recognize the elections or the appointment of Min Aung Hlaing as President; only a minority holds a more flexible view. Thailand acts as a neutral and influential mediator, making its stance vital," the analyst said.
He further noted that while U Min Aung Hlaing agreed to the ASEAN 5-Point Consensus, ASEAN has been dissatisfied with the lack of implementation. "Myanmar’s response is critical. If there is hope in the response, and if Thailand leads with recognition, others may follow."
President U Min Aung Hlaing is also scheduled to visit China and meet with President Xi Jinping. The analyst added that the response to the Thai diplomat is even more significant because it occurs before the China trip.
"China also wishes to see Myanmar reintegrate into ASEAN. If Myanmar remains distanced or antagonistic toward ASEAN, China likely won't be pleased. China is pushing for reconciliation with neighbors and peaceful dialogue to resolve internal conflicts. Therefore, this meeting before the China trip must be handled with care."
President U Min Aung Hlaing with the Thai delegation seen
U Thein Tun Oo, Director of the Strategic Studies Group, told CNI News that Mr. Sihasak's visit might focus more on Thai-Myanmar bilateral cooperation than on ASEAN-Myanmar relations.
Key Areas of Focus: Border security and the resumption of trade.
Historical Ties: The two nations share deep historical links and essential operational tasks that require coordination.
ASEAN Context: U Thein Tun Oo noted that Myanmar is following its own path according to the original ASEAN Charter. He pointed out a divide within ASEAN between mainland Southeast Asian nations and archipelagic nations regarding the Myanmar issue.
"If the ASEAN community accepts Myanmar’s existence and desires a collaborative solution, they will eventually have to re-accept Myanmar," he stated.
Following the events of February 1, 2021, and the subsequent declaration of a state of emergency, ASEAN intervened in the Myanmar crisis and excluded Myanmar's military leadership from its summits.
Currently, stakeholders are watching whether the post-election government can restore ties with the bloc. Simultaneously, preparations are underway to reopen the Asian Highway and resume border trade between Thailand and Myanmar, which has been stalled for a significant period.
