Bangkok: Myanmar's strategic importance to the region has been underscored by Mr. Panithan Wattanayagorn, an expert in security and international politics, who argues that Thailand should take on the role of a ceasefire mediator. At the "Decoding Myanmar's 2026 Economy" event, organized by the Business Research Center of Asia Insight Technology, Mr. Panithan highlighted Myanmar's ongoing election as a significant systemic reshaping process rather than a mere political transition, influenced by both internal power dynamics and international geopolitical pressures.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Panithan stressed that Myanmar is not just a neighboring country but holds strategic significance for Thailand in terms of security, economy, and labor. He urged Thailand to consider how it could help reduce long-term conflicts without exacerbating the current situation. Viewing Myanmar through outdated perspectives, he warned, could lead to missed opportunities for regional advancement.
Mr. Panithan advocated for Thailand to play a proactive role in promoting peace and facilitating Myanmar's openness but noted that this strategy must differ from previous approaches. Given the rapidly evolving power structures in Myanmar and the increased involvement of major global powers like China, India, the United States, and Japan, Thailand must transition from a symbolic mediator to a true strategist.
He proposed that Thailand should act as a neutral broker to facilitate a ceasefire, fostering meaningful dialogue and reducing confrontation. A critical step would be pushing for the release of political prisoners, signaling legitimacy and serving as a starting point for political breakthroughs. Mr. Panithan also questioned whether the new Thai government had the necessary personnel to make strategic and economic decisions, emphasizing the need for collaboration with global powers over neighboring countries given Myanmar's significance in resources and security.
Ms. Thannicha Lermthong, Head of the Economic Research for Investment Center at Asia Insight, shared insights from a study titled "Decoding Myanmar's 2026 Economy." She noted that prolonged conflict in Myanmar has led to widespread fatigue among its society, which is eager to move forward. This sentiment is seen as a positive sign for investors, indicating a potential for negotiations.
Ms. Thannicha emphasized the inseparability of Myanmar and Thailand, proposing they leverage their combined potential as an economic bridge linking China, India, and ASEAN. She asserted that Myanmar's strategic position places it on the radar of major powers, and Thailand's proactive engagement could turn Myanmar into a valuable ally for both countries' long-term economic development.