A missed opportunity in Jakarta for PM Prayut

13 Sept 15:36 Key points summarised by AI

Thai PM Prayut Chan-o-cha declined to attend a special ASEAN summit in Jakarta on the Myanmar crisis, citing a new surge of domestic Covid-19 cases, sending Deputy PM Don Pramudwinai instead.
This decision is seen as a missed opportunity for Thailand, a key regional player, to actively shape a peaceful solution for Myanmar and elevate its diplomatic profile.
Prayut's advisors recommended his absence to manage Thailand's escalating pandemic and avoid a 10-day self-isolation period post-summit, which would hinder his crucial domestic responsibilities.
Despite his non-attendance, Prayut assured Indonesian President Joko Widodo of Thailand's commitment to regional stability and readiness to support ASEAN's consensus, hoping its envoy can facilitate reconciliation.

Detained Suu Kyi receives UK royal package: Myanmar govt

Today 03:08 Key points summarised by AI

Myanmar's detained Nobel laureate, Aung San Suu Kyi, received a package from Britain's King Charles III, which included two gardening books, a sealed envelope, and diplomatic communication.
The event marked the first release of images of Suu Kyi in two months and saw Myanmar authorities describe her as a "special female prisoner" for the first time.
Suu Kyi, who was deposed in a 2021 military coup that triggered an ongoing civil war, remains under house arrest on charges that rights groups contend are politically motivated.