ANKARA

Thailand has sent its first batch of humanitarian aid to military-ruled Myanmar "to meet the need of the displaced people."

In a statement on Monday, the Foreign Ministry said Thai Red Cross handed over 4,000 relief bags, carrying rice, dried food, and other essentials for about 20,000 people to the Myanmar Red Cross in a ceremony held in the city of Mae Sot, Tak province.

"This handover of humanitarian assistance is a bilateral initiative between Thailand and Myanmar to meet the need of the displaced people in Myanmar. As a close neighbor of Myanmar, Thailand is strongly committed to doing everything that is possible to help the people affected by the conflict in Myanmar without discrimination," the statement said.

The ministry said the pilot project is part of ASEAN’s collective effort in advancing the Five-Point Consensus, which includes end to violence in the country ruled by a military junta since February 2021, dialogue among all parties and humanitarian assistance by the 10-member alliance.

"Building on this pilot phase, Thailand would consult closely with relevant partners on ways to further increase humanitarian assistance to support the affected population in Myanmar, especially those living near the Thai - Myanmar border," the statement said.

In February 2021, Myanmar’s army overthrew the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi and seized power in a military coup.

The country fell into deep social, political and economic turmoil as the army conducted brutal campaigns against perceived opponents.

Since October 2023, fighting between the military and armed opposition groups has intensified and spread to most of Myanmar.

More than 2.8 million people in the war-torn country are displaced, while at least 18 million people require humanitarian aid, according to UN agencies.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid