ASEAN Urges Stop to Violence as Civil War in Myanmar Escalates on Border with Thailand

The escalating civil war in Myanmar has caused deep concern among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This conflict reached a peak when anti-military fighters seized control of a strategic city on the border with Thailand. In response, foreign ministers from ASEAN member countries issued a statement urging all parties to stop the violence immediately, exercise restraint, respect international humanitarian law, and protect civilians.

Myanmar has been engulfed in violence since the 2021 coup against the government of Aung San Suu Kyi. Despite repeated calls from ASEAN for a peaceful resolution, the crisis remains unresolved. Ethnic minority groups and anti-military fighters have intensified their attacks in recent months, leading to setbacks for the ruling military in border areas with China and Thailand.

The military recently withdrew from Myawaddy on the Thai border but battles continue nearby. Thailand has increased its military presence on the border and warned against any violation of its territory. The United Nations has raised concerns about the escalating violence in Myanmar, particularly in Rakhine State, where civilians are at risk. The UN has called on influential countries to prevent further atrocities against vulnerable populations.

ASEAN has excluded Myanmar from summits and meetings since October 2021, but high-level discussions have taken place to address the crisis. The association’s exit plan includes dialogue with all parties involved, but progress has been slow. Aung San Suu Kyi remains imprisoned, serving a lengthy sentence.

Thousands of civilian casualties have occurred since 2021 due to this conflict according to local monitoring groups