Myanmar human rights and democracy activists around the world are speaking out against Thailand’s decision to host an “informal meeting” with the military regime in Myanmar.

The meetings – held Dec. 19-20 in Bangkok, Thailand – were attended by regime Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Than Swe, alongside foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and officials from China, India, and Bangladesh. 

On Thursday, foreign affairs officials from neighbouring countries discussed Myanmar’s crisis since the 2021 military coup, during which Than Swe outlined the regime’s plans for elections, which are tentatively scheduled for November 2025.

However, democracy and human rights activists argued that these discussions lacked inclusivity, ignoring Myanmar’s civilian-led National Unity Government (NUG) and ethnic nationality representatives. 

The Global campaign against China’s interference in Myanmar, which began with protests on Dec. 7, held an online press conference denouncing ASEAN and its partners for engaging exclusively with the regime and not with anyone from the resistance.

“How can they address security or criminal issues without involving the people? Protecting women and children requires recognizing the people’s demands, including eliminating the military’s role in politics,” said Khin Thiri Nandar Soe, an activist from Myanmar. 

She called on ASEAN and others to listen to the voices of Myanmar’s people, and for neighboring countries to take concrete steps toward restoring democracy, safeguarding human rights, and ending the military’s grip on state power in Myanmar.

Htun Kyi, a former political prisoner in Myanmar, criticized China, India, and Thailand for what he described as complicity in legitimizing the regime, which seized power after the Feb. 1, 2021 coup. 

“Despite the ongoing case at the International Criminal Court (ICC), these nations actively support the regime for their own interests. This amounts to collaboration in criminal acts,” he said.

On Friday, 95 civil society organizations in Myanmar issued an open letter urging ASEAN and international leaders to recognize the NUG as the country’s sole legitimate representatives. The letter also called for humanitarian aid and increased pressure on the regime to restore democracy under civilian rule rather than military rule.

Zaw Win, a Myanmar activist living in Washington D.C., noted the regime’s atrocities against civilians, including airstrikes, and the arrest of nearly 29,000 people since the coup. 

“Over 7,000 people have died, and tens of thousands are detained. They’ve even resorted to kidnapping children of the people to replenish their forces,” he said, referring to the military conscription law which was enforced on Feb. 10.

“China bears the main responsibility. But we won’t hesitate to hold other nations accountable, including America, if they fail to understand our struggle,” added Zaw Win. 

With Min Aung Hlaing potentially facing an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity, activists remain steadfast in their call for international accountability and justice for the crimes committed by the military in Myanmar. 

The activists added that legitimizing the regime only prolongs the suffering of Myanmar’s people, while urgent international action is needed to restore peace and democracy.