ASEAN Myanmar talks face criticism and key members skip meeting.

Key ASEAN members, including Singapore and Malaysia, have decided to skip the informal diplomatic talks hosted by Thailand with Myanmar's military junta, citing concerns that it could legitimize the military government. Myanmar's junta-appointed Foreign Minister Than Swe is expected to attend the talks, which have been criticized by activists and Myanmar's opposition National Unity Government. Thailand has been pushing to re-engage with Myanmar's generals, who have been locked in conflict with armed opposition militias since seizing power in a 2021 coup, in the face of opposition from other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which has barred the junta from senior level meetings.