CNI News
May 12, 2026
Questions have emerged within domestic and international political circles regarding why ASEAN is currently pushing for the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in the current Myanmar political landscape.
Philippine President Marcos Jr., who is currently serving as the ASEAN Alternate Chair, stated that the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is a primary point of negotiation between ASEAN and Naypyidaw, and that ASEAN’s stance on this matter remains unchanged.
Some political analysts suggest that ASEAN's primary desire for her release is based on the belief that it is the key to building the bloc’s prestige and effectiveness in resolving the Myanmar issue, implementing political reconciliation within the country, and maintaining regional stability.
Political analyst U Htet Aung Kyaw told CNI News that he views ASEAN’s emphasis on this issue as being linked to how politically "open" the country is.
"ASEAN views these as political matters. Ordinarily, various charges have been leveled against DASSK here to justify her imprisonment. Since ASEAN views this as a political issue, they are calling for her release. And it’s true—whether she is released or not is directly proportional to how politically open this country is. That is why I believe ASEAN is making this a priority," he said.
Philippine President Marcos Jr.
He continued, "By releasing DASSK, the current government can demonstrate that they are making a certain degree of concession. It would be seen as a sign that they are ready to conduct politics openly again. Only then will the international diplomatic and economic sanctions be eased, and only then can we return to being a 'normal' country. I believe her release is vital because it hinges on these factors."
Political circles also point out that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is indispensable for the success of ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus—the core framework for solving the Myanmar crisis—and is a pivotal point in negotiations with the government. They argue that her release could further alleviate the political crisis and open a path for dialogue.
However, political analyst Dr. Aye Maung told CNI News that one cannot guarantee that everything will calm down just because she is released, and there is no reason to make such a guarantee.
President U Min Aung Hlaing and the Thai Foreign Minister
"She was the top leader of the government that was ousted during the 2021 power takeover. Furthermore, she is a 'Democracy Icon' as defined by the West. Since they traditionally do not accept such takeovers, they have been calling for her release for five years. What is certain is that when a firm democratic government emerges, things become complicated. ASEAN has found itself in a 'stuck' position. Moreover, when this side [the military government] doesn't follow a single word ASEAN says, they [ASEAN] act out of embarrassment. This is the main point. They don't truly understand the internal situation," Dr. Aye Maung said.
He added, "Whether such a release would aid national reconciliation is something for those currently in charge—the government—to evaluate. What if, instead of reconciliation, it leads to further instigation and agitation? The reality is that the country is currently fragmented. There is no way to guarantee, nor any reason to guarantee, that everything will become peaceful just because Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is released."
While ASEAN has yet to reach a consensus on recognizing the government in Naypyidaw, ASEAN’s standing position remains to pressure for the unconditional release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and for permission to meet with her.
