Thailand has committed to providing humanitarian aid to Myanmar and will work with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) to promote peace in the neighbouring country, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara said.
Mr Parnpree participated in a discussion regarding Myanmar during the World Economic Forum's 54th Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland on Tuesday, along with his Vice Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow and other high-level representatives from international organisations.
Mr Parnpree said Thailand has been in active and inventive roles in promoting peace, stability and unity in Myanmar alongside other Asean state members. He also emphasised the need for all parties in Myanmar to participate in negotiations that would lead to harmony and a peaceful political resolution.
According to Mr Parnpree, Thailand has provided humanitarian support to Myanmar as needed, focusing on Myanmar citizens who fled their country due to unrest to stay along the Thai border.
He said the Thai government has also talked to the Myanmar government to find ways to send humanitarian aid to Myanmar citizens who need help in their country.
Mr Parnpree also had a bilateral discussion with the president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Mirjana Spoljaric Egger. He said Thailand was happy to house the regional office of the ICRC and they would provide humanitarian support in the region, especially cross-border humanitarian assistance to Myanmar.
The Thai government will also support Laos as an Asean chair this year to push Asean's role as a leader for promoting dialogue and reconciliation in Myanmar and in the region.
In addition, Mr Parnpree and Ms Spoljaric exchanged opinions on the conflict in Israel and Gaza and agreed on calls for ceasefire negotiations that would allow humanitarian support.
Mr Parnpree also urged the ICRC to continue support that would allow the safe release of the eight remaining Thai hostages as soon as possible.