PM denies endorsing coup d'etat in Myanmar

PM denies endorsing coup d'etat in Myanmar

A military supporter points a knife at someone as he confronts anti-coup protesters during a pro-military rally in Yangon on Thursday. (Reuters photo)
A military supporter points a knife at someone as he confronts anti-coup protesters during a pro-military rally in Yangon on Thursday. (Reuters photo)

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said on Thursday his meeting with Myanmar's foreign minister on Wednesday was not an endorsement of the military coup in the neighbouring country.

He did not use the term military coup, but was apparently responding to criticism about the meeting.

"It was a request for a courtesy call. In international relations, the meeting responded to the request. It didn't mean I endorsed anything," the premier said, adding he had met Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi shortly before Myanmar's Wunna Maung Lwin.

Political developments in Myanmar were discussed as were issues such as illegal entry as well as the spread of Covid-19, Gen Prayut said.

Myanmar's politics is a domestic issue and each country has different problems, he said.

"It does not mean Thailand has to accept or reject anything," he said pointing to Asean's stance.

He denied Thailand and Indonesia would act as mediators in Myanmar's internal affairs saying Asean can take this role.

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