The two-day informal talks in Bangkok and Pattaya on July 12-13 marked a real turning point in efforts to resolve the Myanmar crisis, even if the outcomes were not earth-shattering.
For the first time, all the parties concerned engaged in meaningful dialogue. They had the opportunity to meet face-to-face and hold in-depth discussions. On the surface, their positions may have seemed awkward and uncompromising, but deep down they all want peace, knowing full well that the continued violence will only cause greater suffering. A degree of comfort and trust has begun to develop, providing a foundation for further progress in future meetings.
