Remarkably, the military junta in Myanmar has stated that it is in favor of Yingluck Shinawatra being named as the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Myanmar. The announcement has been anticipated by the people of Myanmar, who have been waiting impatiently since 2023 for the appointment of a new UN envoy to tackle their numerous problems.

As prime minister of Thailand, Yingluck visited Myanmar and has been acquainted with the country since December 2011. She met with key opposition figure Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in Yangon after conversing with then-President Thein Sein during her tour.

Given the thorough search the UN performed to replace the gap left by previous UN special envoy Noeleen Heyzer, many people were surprised to learn of Yingluck's selection. Heyzer, known for her diplomatic acumen, was brought on six months following the coup in 2021 with the intention of resolving issues diplomatically. However, she left her position after 20 months, citing internal UN problems.

While it may be premature to pass judgment on the appointment, Myanmar's opposition has expressed enthusiasm to observe the new UN envoy's performance, role, and vision. In contrast, the media-shy National Unity Government, functioning as the government in exile, indicated that it is in the process of formulating a statement but is currently conducting research on the newly proposed envoy. Meanwhile, the regime appears to have already embraced the prospective appointment.

David Scott Mathieson, an independent Myanmar analyst, remarked, “This is exactly the kind of maverick, dynamic envoy the UN needs right now to shatter global diplomatic inertia. A bold choice which will alarm the SAC and ASEAN in equal measure.”

When approached for comment, Yingluck expressed surprise at her purported appointment but conveyed her willingness to assume the special envoy role, emphasizing her desire to contribute positively to Myanmar's situation. She also hinted at the potential assistance of her brother, Thaksin Shinawatra, citing his personal acquaintance with General Min Aung Hlaing.

In a conversation with Zaw Min Tun, the regime's spokesperson, The Irrawaddy learned that the major general, who had refused to answer questions from The Irrawaddy since the coup in 2021, unexpectedly answered the phone and gave their correspondent a heartfelt response.

"Yes, it's fantastic if Mrs. Yingluck is appointed as the special envoy!"

He was asked why he believed "it's great," and after a little period of silence, he said,

“I think she looks good!”

"I don't think it's an April Fool's prank," he continued.

BOB Post