Some members of ethnic armed organizations attending the military council’s Peace Forum 2025 say they do not expect any strong decisions or significant changes to emerge from the event, which is not primarily focused on political dialogue.
The three-day Peace Forum, organized by the military caouncil, is ongoing as of June 27. Participants include officials from the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee (NSPNC), ethnic armed groups, political parties, and both civilian and military representatives of the military council.
Colonel Khun Okker, a patron of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO), stated that the forum is essentially an exchange of advice and experience from political parties, diplomats, and foreign experts rather than a platform for firm decision-making.
“This is not a political dialogue. It’s more about preparing for the upcoming election and discussing what is needed to succeed while touching on peace and democracy. There’s nothing big we’re expecting to come out of it,” Colonel Khun Okker said.
Still, he noted that if the military council genuinely follows the guidance of the experts, the forum could eventually evolve into a platform for political dialogue.
On the second day of the forum, closed-door discussions focused on the country’s current political situation and upcoming elections. According to forum participants, today’s sessions are expected to address humanitarian issues, socioeconomic challenges, and strategies for inclusive reform.
Efforts are also underway to gradually include those involved in the ongoing armed conflict in future political discussions, and attendees have been encouraged to monitor the outcomes of this forum closely.
“We don’t yet know how this will conclude or what outcomes will result,” said Colonel Khun Okker. “We’ll have to wait and see—day by day. We might know on the final day. Later, we’ll also see whether armed actors involved in the conflict will be invited or included.”
In opening remarks on the first day, a senior military leader called on ethnic armed organizations to abandon armed struggle, form political parties, and join the political process.
Despite the forum, the military council continues to carry out widespread operations across the country, including artillery shelling, airstrikes, and the violent arrest and killing of civilians.
