BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand underscored its drive for regional stability in a call with the Philippines and moved to partially resume tightly controlled fuel exports to Laos.
Diplomacy with the Philippines
Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to regional peace efforts in a telephone conversation on Friday with Philippine Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa P. Lazaro. He explicitly thanked Manila for its leadership of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT).
According to information from Bangkok, both sides underlined the importance of close bilateral relations. They agreed to continue coordinating their positions on regional and international issues.
ASEAN’s role in dealing with Myanmar
In the conversation, Sihasak briefed his Philippine counterpart, in her capacity as ASEAN chair, on his informal meeting on 18 February in Phuket with Myanmar’s foreign minister. He said a Thai proposal for a “calibrated and gradual rapprochement” between ASEAN and Myanmar had been discussed.
The initiative was aimed at strengthening the bloc’s support for peace and national reconciliation in Myanmar. The proposal focused on a step-by-step approach to re-engagement.
Thailand as a bridge and situation on the Cambodian border
Sihasak reiterated Thailand’s readiness to act as a bridge between ASEAN and Myanmar. He presented this role as a way to facilitate dialogue and confidence-building measures.
At the same time, he informed Lazaro about the situation along the Thai-Cambodian border. He stressed that Thailand was strictly complying with the existing ceasefire.
Philippine observer role and work of the AOT
The foreign minister expressed appreciation to the government in Manila for its leadership of the ASEAN Observer Team, which monitors developments related to the ceasefire at the border.
Both governments welcomed the close operational cooperation between their authorities. They signalled an intention to deepen coordination on security matters and regional initiatives.
Clarification on fuel exports to Laos
Separately from the diplomatic talks, the Second Army Area Operations Centre issued a clarification on Saturday regarding the controlled reopening of fuel exports to Laos. These exports had been suspended since 14 December 2025 to implement security requirements.
The Royal Thai Army approved a limited resumption of exports. The move was tied to strict conditions, including GPS monitoring of fuel tankers and on-site inspections.
Tighter controls at Chong Mek border crossing
According to the Second Army Area Operations Centre, preparatory talks for the new regime were held with local security agencies, administrative bodies and affected business operators. These parties are involved in the fuel trade through the Chong Mek border crossing in Ubon Ratchathani province.
During the review process, authorities scrutinised 10 companies in Laos’s Champasak province. These firms are participating in the controlled fuel exports.