Thailand’s Shifting Allegiances: From Supporting Burma’s Ethnic Minorities to Aligning with Burma’s Military Generals
Thai PM meets Burma (Myanmar) junta chief on sidelines of summit in China
Thailand's relationship with Burma (Myanmar) has undergone a dramatic shift over the years, moving from providing refuge and support for ethnic minorities to actively engaging with the ruling military junta. This transition has had dire consequences for humanitarian aid efforts and the safety of ethnic groups under attack by Burma (Myanmar)'s military.
Historical Support for Ethnic Minorities
For decades, Thailand served as a safe haven for ethnic minorities fleeing persecution in Burma (Myanmar). Many displaced Karen, Shan, and other ethnic groups sought refuge in camps along the Thai border, supported by international aid organizations.
Mae La Refugee Camp, established in 1984, remains the largest camp for Karen refugees, housing over 50,000 people. It has long served as a humanitarian hub for those escaping violence from the Burma (Myanmar) military. (Mae La Camp - Wikipedia)
Thailand previously allowed humanitarian groups to operate freely, helping deliver food, medicine, and essential supplies to those affected by conflict in Burma (Myanmar).
Thailand’s Shift Toward Supporting Burma (Myanmar)’s Military
In recent years, Thailand has pivoted from supporting Burma (Myanmar)'s ethnic minorities to forming closer ties with the ruling military generals.
Prayuth Chan-o-cha’s Close Ties with Burma (Myanmar)’s Junta (2014-2023)
Former Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha, who led the country following a military coup in 2014, developed a strong relationship with Burma (Myanmar)'s military.
Diplomatic Back Channels: In 2021, Prayuth facilitated back-channel talks with Burma (Myanmar)'s junta while ASEAN attempted to mediate the crisis. (Foreign Involvement in the Burma Civil War)
Downplaying Military Violations: In June 2022, a Burma (Myanmar) military jet violated Thai airspace, but Prayuth dismissed concerns, stating it was “not a big deal.”
Re-Engaging with the Junta: In June 2023, Thailand attempted to “fully re-engage” the junta by inviting ASEAN foreign ministers to an informal meeting—a move widely criticized for legitimizing the military rulers. (Reuters)
Current Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s Approach to Burma (Myanmar)
Srettha Thavisin, Thailand’s current Prime Minister since August 2023, has adopted a more strategic yet continued engagement with Burma (Myanmar)’s military.
Acknowledging the Junta’s Decline: In April 2024, Srettha stated, “The current regime is starting to lose some strength,” signaling a shift in Thai policy but still favoring diplomatic engagement. (Reuters)
Delivering Selective Humanitarian Aid: Thailand has facilitated limited aid deliveries but has done little to pressure the military junta to allow broader humanitarian access.
Supporting a Junta-Controlled Election: Thailand has expressed openness to the military’s plans for a controlled election, even though the opposition and ethnic groups have condemned it as a sham. (Reuters)
Thailand’s Crackdown on Humanitarian Aid Groups
As Thailand strengthens ties with Burma (Myanmar)’s junta, it has restricted humanitarian groups working to aid ethnic minorities under attack.
Blocking Refugees from Crossing the Border: In March 2021, after Burma (Myanmar)’s military launched airstrikes against Karen villages, over 2,000 refugees fled into Thailand. Thai authorities forced them back, disregarding international laws protecting refugees. (Myanmar Now)
Banning Cross-Border Aid: Humanitarian organizations attempting to deliver food and medical supplies to ethnic groups under attack have faced increased restrictions by Thai authorities.
There are unconfirmed reports that Thai authorities have also considered issuing arrest warrants for humanitarian aid leaders.
However, Free Burma Rangers, a group providing medical aid and documenting human rights abuses, has reported increasing pressure from Thai authorities when attempting to assist displaced ethnic minorities. (Free Burma Rangers Interview)
Humanitarian Crisis and Thailand’s Role
The consequences of Thailand’s cooperation with Burma (Myanmar)’s military junta are severe:
2 million people in Burma (Myanmar) are at risk of famine, especially in conflict zones like Rakhine State, due to junta-imposed food blockades. (Reuters)
Medical aid has been severely restricted, with hospitals in ethnic-controlled areas being bombed and supplies being cut off.
Ethnic minority groups, including the Karen, Kachin, and Shan, continue to be targeted by military airstrikes and ground attacks.
Conclusion: Thailand’s Troubling Alignment with Burma (Myanmar)’s Generals
Thailand’s historical role as a protector of ethnic minorities from Burma (Myanmar) has drastically changed. Successive Thai administrations—from Prayuth Chan-o-cha to Srettha Thavisin—have increasingly aligned with Burma (Myanmar)’s military junta, prioritizing diplomatic relations over human rights.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Thailand once provided safe haven for ethnic groups fleeing Burma (Myanmar)’s military.
❌ Now, Thailand has expelled refugees, restricted aid, and legitimized the junta.
❌ Thai leaders continue to engage with Burma (Myanmar)’s military, despite ongoing atrocities.
❌ Humanitarian groups face restrictions and possible legal action for helping displaced people.
Without significant international pressure, Thailand’s complicity in Burma (Myanmar)’s humanitarian crisis is likely to continue.
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