The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is facing growing pressure to reconsider its restrictions on Myanmar’s military-backed leadership as regional members pursue closer engagement with the junta ahead of the bloc’s November 15–17 summit in Manila.

Thailand has emerged as a leading voice calling for Myanmar’s foreign minister to be allowed to attend ASEAN-level meetings, arguing that direct engagement could help address the country’s prolonged political crisis. Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said Bangkok hoped sufficient progress would enable Myanmar’s participation by 2028, when Thailand assumes the ASEAN chairmanship.

According to The Japan Times, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Malaysia have all hosted Myanmar’s military leader Min Aung Hlaing this year, signalling a gradual shift in regional approaches. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has also pledged to work towards Myanmar’s reintegration into the regional bloc.

Myanmar has remained excluded from high-level ASEAN meetings since the 2021 military coup, following its failure to implement the bloc’s Five-Point Consensus, which calls for an end to violence, inclusive dialogue and humanitarian assistance. Despite diplomatic efforts, the country’s civil war continues, with millions displaced and little progress towards political reconciliation.

The Philippines, this year’s ASEAN chair, is expected to issue a negotiated assessment of the peace plan’s implementation at the upcoming summit. Meanwhile, the role of ASEAN’s special envoy is also under discussion, with members considering whether to retain the rotating arrangement or establish a permanent position.

However, regional analysts remain divided over easing restrictions. While Thailand argues that engagement could help bring conflicting parties to the negotiating table, critics warn that restoring political recognition without meaningful reforms could weaken pressure on Myanmar’s military authorities.

Human Rights Watch has urged ASEAN to maintain its restrictions and press for an end to military abuses. Singapore-based analysts have also cautioned that closer bilateral relations should not automatically translate into political acceptance.

With ASEAN members increasingly divided over their Myanmar policy, the Manila summit is expected to test the bloc’s ability to maintain a common position while pursuing diplomatic engagement.

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