The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Special Envoy on Myanmar Othman Hashim met with the National Unity Government (NUG), the Karen National Union (KNU), the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), the Chin National Front (CNF), and the New Mon State Party – Anti-Dictatorship (NMSP-AD) in Bangkok, Thailand on Saturday.

This followed Hashim’s visit with the regime in Naypyidaw Feb. 6-8, where he reportedly urged it to cease hostilities, the VOA reported.  

Hashim discussed three of the five points in the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus, which was agreed to by Min Aung Hlaing in April 2021 but not implemented upon his return to Myanmar.

The Special Envoy wants both sides in Myanmar to end violence, allow humanitarian aid deliveries, and begin inclusive dialogue among all stakeholders, the VOA added.  

Hashim is the former secretary general of Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He was selected by Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan to implement the ASEAN Five Point Consensus, the regional bloc’s peace plan for Myanmar.

At the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat in Langkawi last month, Malaysia Foreign Ministry Secretary General Amran Mohammed Zin told the media that ASEAN is focused on ending the violence in Burma.

Malaysia has been continuing efforts based on Indonesia’s approach when it held the ASEAN chair in 2023, during which more than 100 discussions were held with the regime and the resistance in Myanmar, Othman explained.

Since Thursday, both regional and international meetings about the Myanmar crisis have been held, but Malaysia has chosen not to publicize details, according to sources.

Malaysia will host more than 300 meetings and summits throughout the year under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability.” Previously, Malaysia chaired ASEAN in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015.