Manila: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is facing growing divisions over its approach to Myanmar as several member countries strengthen diplomatic relations with the country's military backed government and call for greater engagement ahead of a regional summit in the Philippines. The issue is expected to feature prominently at the 49th ASEAN Summit in Manila from November 15 to 17, where regional leaders will review the implementation of the bloc's peace initiative for Myanmar and consider its future approach to the country's continuing political crisis.
Thailand has emerged as one of the strongest voices calling for a change in ASEAN's policy. Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has argued that Myanmar's foreign minister should be allowed to participate in ASEAN foreign ministers' meetings. Sihasak visited Myanmar's capital, Naypyidaw, on November 12 and met President Min Aung Hlaing and Foreign Minister Tin Maung Swe. Discussions covered border security, trade, energy cooperation, migration, environmental concerns and efforts to reduce violence in Myanmar.
Thailand said the visit was intended to strengthen communication with Myanmar's authorities and address issues affecting communities along their shared border. Bangkok has also expressed interest in supporting conditions for peace negotiations and greater regional cooperation. Sihasak's proposal reflects Thailand's view that direct diplomatic engagement could provide ASEAN with more opportunities to influence developments in Myanmar. However, his position does not represent an agreed decision by the regional organisation, whose members remain divided over how to deal with the military leadership.
Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Malaysia have all welcomed Min Aung Hlaing on official visits during 2026, reflecting an increase in bilateral engagement with Myanmar's authorities. Malaysia has also indicated a shift in its approach. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim pledged in October to work towards Myanmar's reintegration into ASEAN. However, Malaysia has said it does not recognise Myanmar's post election administration, showing that diplomatic engagement does not necessarily amount to formal political recognition.
The Philippines has confirmed that Myanmar's political representation at the upcoming summit will remain restricted. The country will not be represented by its president or foreign minister. Instead, a director general from its Foreign Ministry responsible for ASEAN affairs will attend. Philippine Foreign Affairs spokesperson Dax Imperial said ASEAN leaders would review the implementation of the Five Point Consensus during the summit. The outcome is expected to be reflected in a negotiated document following the leaders' discussions.
The Five Point Consensus was agreed by ASEAN leaders on April 24, 2021, following the military coup in Myanmar on February 1 of that year. It calls for an immediate end to violence, constructive dialogue among all parties, mediation by an ASEAN special envoy, humanitarian assistance and access for the envoy to meet all concerned parties. However, the initiative has achieved limited progress, with fighting continuing between the military, pro democracy resistance groups and ethnic armed organisations.
Myanmar's military authorities have faced growing international criticism over their handling of the crisis. The military seized power from the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021 and detained political leaders, triggering widespread protests and an armed conflict. The military backed Union Solidarity and Development Party secured an overwhelming victory in general elections held between December 2025 and January 2026. However, the election was criticised internationally because major opposition groups were excluded and voting could not take place in several conflict affected areas.
Min Aung Hlaing was subsequently elected president on April 3, 2026, while the military continued to hold significant influence over the country's political institutions. The United Nations has questioned the legitimacy of the election, arguing that it did not represent a genuine transition to civilian government.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation remains severe. According to UNICEF's reporting for the first half of 2026, around 16.2 million people in Myanmar required humanitarian assistance, including approximately 4.9 million children. The country also had around 3.8 million internally displaced people. The conflict has killed more than 100,000 people since the 2021 coup, according to estimates cited by United Nations experts. Airstrikes, armed clashes, displacement and restrictions on humanitarian access continue to affect civilians across the country.
ASEAN has continued humanitarian efforts despite the lack of progress in political negotiations. Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, who serves as the ASEAN Chair's Special Envoy on Myanmar, led a humanitarian mission to the country from October 28 to 30. The operation aimed to deliver assistance to more than 11,000 households in Kayin State and northern and southern Shan states. Supplies included rice, family kits and personal hygiene items.
The situation of former civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi also remains a major concern. Detained following the 2021 coup, she was moved to house arrest in April 2026. Although an International Committee of the Red Cross representative was allowed to meet her in August, questions remain about her condition and the possibility of access for other representatives. Human rights organisations have urged ASEAN not to restore the military leadership's political representation without meaningful progress towards peace and democracy.
ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights has called on regional leaders to maintain restrictions on senior military representatives, establish clear conditions for implementing the Five Point Consensus and increase engagement with Myanmar's democratic forces. The upcoming summit will therefore test ASEAN's ability to maintain a common position on Myanmar while responding to the growing interest among some members in renewed diplomatic engagement.
Although several countries appear willing to strengthen bilateral relations with the authorities in Naypyidaw, the bloc has yet to agree on whether this approach should lead to changes in Myanmar's political representation. The challenge for ASEAN will be to balance diplomatic engagement with pressure for an end to violence, inclusive political dialogue and improved humanitarian access. The summit is expected to provide an important indication of whether the regional organisation can maintain that balance as the crisis in Myanmar continues.