Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Panpree Phathithanukorn has commented on the political situation in Myanmar, emphasising that the situation in the country is considered an internal issue and should be addressed through Myanmar's legal processes and the mechanisms of ASEAN.

The Foreign Minister stated that ASEAN's role in the region cannot be overlooked, as it continues to maintain its centrality with the 5-Point Consensus on Myanmar aimed at ending violence and conflict in the nation. The Thai government remains committed to abiding by this consensus.

Panpree stated that internal issues within Myanmar, including conflict, the democratic process, and matters related to Aung San Suu Kyi, the former adviser to Myanmar's national leadership, are matters that Myanmar needs to manage. But Thailand will engage in discussions with ASEAN to help facilitate peace efforts in Myanmar.

However, he confirmed that both the Thai and Myanmar governments will need to engage in formal and informal discussions to address issues that have directly affected Thailand, such as drugs and illegal border crossings.

The Foreign Minister mentioned that Thailand would consider informal discussions with Myanmar outside of the ASEAN framework based on necessity and consultation with the ASEAN Chair. However, for cross-border issues like drugs and border crossings, high-level officials from both countries can already hold discussions.

Meanwhile, Panpree will accompany Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York from September 18th to 24th. During the visit, the PM will participate in key UN meetings and a US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) meeting, address the UN General Debate, take part in the Sustainable Development Goals Summit, and attend the Climate Action Summit.

The Prime Minister will also seek international support for Thailand's candidacy as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for 2025-2027, a position Thailand failed to secure in 2014.