The foreign ministry readout describes On 25 September 2026, Mrs. Eksiri Pintaruchi, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, delivered a statement at the High-Level Side Event “The Rohingya Crisis: A Renewed Call for a Durable Solution from Protracted Displacement, with Justice and Accountability,” on the sidelines of the High-level Week of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The statement underscored Thailand’s efforts in providing humanitarian assistance to the Rohingya populations. This is also in accordance to the pledges that Thailand made at the 2nd Global Refugee Forum in 2023 to provide assistance to the Rohingyas in Bangladesh, as well as development assistance to Rakhine State. The Permanent Secretary also called on the international community to do their part, in line with the principle of burden- and responsibility-sharing, by contributing meaningfully to humanitarian assistance for the Rohingyas. Thailand will also continue to work with regional and international partners to support Myanmar’s efforts in providing a conducive environment for a voluntary, safe and dignified return.
Background
The statement’s context is rooted in prior diplomatic engagements. On 25 September 2022, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs met with the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State on the sidelines of the High-level Week of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Furthermore, on 24 September 2022, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Andorra and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia on the sidelines of the High-level Week of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. These meetings, as detailed in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ archive, demonstrate a consistent pattern of engagement with key international partners. The statement does not address the specific content of these prior meetings.
Analysis
Thailand’s actions are framed by its 20-Year “5S” Foreign Affairs Masterplan, a strategy focused on Security, Sovereignty, Stability, Sustainability, and Synergy. The Permanent Secretary’s call for “burden- and responsibility-sharing” reflects a cautious approach, aligning with a broader Thai policy of emphasizing regional cooperation rather than assuming primary responsibility for the crisis. The emphasis on “a conducive environment for a voluntary, safe and dignified return” suggests a continued, albeit indirect, support for efforts to facilitate a resolution within Myanmar, without explicitly criticizing the current situation. The statement does not address the potential challenges of achieving this goal, given the ongoing complexities and lack of progress within Myanmar.
Implications
The Permanent Secretary’s statement has implications for Thailand’s regional diplomacy. It reinforces Thailand’s commitment to ASEAN’s humanitarian initiatives while simultaneously advocating for a multilateral solution. Should the visit yield continued engagement with key international actors, it could strengthen Thailand’s position as a facilitator of dialogue and support. The statement does not address the potential impact on Thailand’s bilateral relations with Myanmar.
Outlook
If Thailand continues to support Myanmar’s efforts to create a conducive environment, the outcome hinges on the willingness of other international actors to increase their contributions to humanitarian assistance. Should the situation in Rakhine State remain unchanged, Thailand’s commitment to supporting a voluntary return will likely remain a long-term objective. The statement does not offer a timeframe for achieving this outcome.
Conclusion
The Permanent Secretary’s call for a durable solution to the Rohingya crisis underscores Thailand’s ongoing commitment to humanitarian assistance, but leaves unanswered the fundamental question of how that assistance can translate into tangible progress for the displaced population.
Sources & Further Reading
- Official press release
- Foreign ministry source
- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs met with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State on the sidelines of the High-level Week of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (25 Sep 202)
- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs meets with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Andorra on the sidelines of the High-level Week of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (24 Sep 202)
- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs meets with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia on the sidelines of the High-level Week of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (24 Sep 202)
