Thaksin & Anwar Meet Brunei Leader to Discuss Myanmar Crisis

On February 18, 2025, former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah convened in Brunei to discuss Myanmar crisis. Thaksin participated in his capacity as an informal adviser on ASEAN affairs to Prime Minister Anwar.

The leaders emphasized the necessity of engaging all relevant stakeholders to address the Myanmar conflict effectively. They reaffirmed their commitment to the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus, aiming to facilitate national dialogue and restore peace in Myanmar.

Additionally, the meeting addressed concerns over the burgeoning illicit economy in Myanmar, which includes narcotics trafficking, human trafficking, and widespread scam operations. The leaders agreed on the urgency of collaborative efforts to combat these challenges.

Beyond the Myanmar situation, discussions also covered the South China Sea disputes. The trio concurred on the importance of expediting negotiations for a Code of Conduct to ensure regional stability and prevent conflicts.

Economic collaboration within ASEAN was another focal point, with leaders exploring strategies to enhance intra-regional trade and create a more business-friendly regulatory environment. They also touched upon the significance of establishing proper blockchain infrastructure to support the region’s digital economy.

This high-level meeting underscores ASEAN’s commitment to addressing complex geopolitical challenges through dialogue and cooperation, aiming for a more integrated and stable region.

On the South China Sea disputes, the Prime Minister said they concurred that there should be greater multilateral diplomatic progress with the aspiration that the Code of Conduct (CoC) negotiations should be concluded sooner rather than later.

“Substantive focus was given to how best to enhance intra-Asean trade and foster greater economic collaboration, including the imperative of a business-friendly and more effective regulatory framework.”The strategic thrust in this regard is to promote vibrant capital inflow and stimulate more robust intra-regional growth for shared prosperity,” he said.

About cryptocurrency, Anwar said they discussed the importance of establishing the proper Blockchain infrastructure and enabling digital accessibility as key prerequisites for healthy and progressive development for the region.

Source: BANGKOK POST, THAI NEWSROOM, IRRAWADDY, Nation