Turning Borders into Bridges: How Bangladesh’s Strategy with the Arakan Army Offers Thailand a Path to Support KTLA/KNLA Governance

As Burma’s military regime loses control along its borders, neighboring countries are adapting. A recent article from The Irrawaddy details how Bangladesh has chosen to engage with the Arakan Army (AA)—an ethnic armed group now in control of most of Rakhine State. This unofficial engagement is a pragmatic step toward securing Bangladesh’s borders and potentially enabling the repatriation of Rohingya refugees. This strategy sets a compelling precedent for Thailand, which faces similar dynamics along its western frontier with Karen State. By adapting Bangladesh’s approach, Thailand could engage the Kawthoolei Government (KTLA) and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) to promote border stability and humanitarian outcomes.

Strategic Roadmap for Thailand

Thailand can mirror Bangladesh’s approach through the following phased strategy:

1. Frame the Narrative Around National Interest
   Emphasize border security, humanitarian stability, and anti-trafficking efforts.
   Position the Kawthoolei Government (KTLA) and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) as stabilizing forces, not threats.

2. Quiet, Backchannel Diplomacy
   Engage Thai provincial and military leaders informally.
   Use intermediaries like NGOs to open dialogue with the KTLA/KNLA leadership.

3. Demonstrate Karen Governance
   Publicize the KTLA’s functioning clinics, schools, and justice systems.
   Invite Thai humanitarian agencies to observe KTLA-administered governance structures.

4. Develop a Refugee Partnership
   Collaborate with Thai authorities on structured refugee management.
   Show how partnership with the KTLA/KNLA can reduce cross-border chaos and trafficking.

5. Launch a Controlled PR Campaign
   Share success stories in Thai-language media.
   Focus on KTLA-led humanitarian and development initiatives rather than militarization.

6. Seek Cautious Informal Recognition
   Begin with local cooperation in Mae Hong Son and Tak provinces under KTLA/KNLA coordination.
   Build trust at local levels before seeking national acknowledgment.

7. Regionalize Support
   Engage Indian, Japanese, and ASEAN humanitarian partners.
   Frame Thailand’s relationship with the KTLA/KNLA as a humanitarian stabilization effort, not a political confrontation.

Conclusion

Bangladesh’s engagement with the Arakan Army highlights a realistic new approach to collapsed-border diplomacy. Thailand now has an opportunity to apply a similar model to its frontier with Karen State—strengthening national security while supporting the Kawthoolei Government (KTLA) and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), a governance structure already providing stability and services to the local population. With deliberate and strategic steps, Thailand can help transform its border with Burma into a bridge for peace, cooperation, and regional resilience.

Key Messages: Turning Borders into Bridges — A Strategic Path for Thailand to Support KTLA/KNLA Governance

Background

• Burma’s central government has lost effective control over large parts of its border regions.

• Bangladesh has pragmatically engaged with the Arakan Army (AA) to secure its border and address refugee challenges.

• Thailand faces a similar opportunity along its border with Karen State, where the Kawthoolei Government (KTLA) and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) exercise de facto control.

Strategic Opportunity for Thailand

• Enhance Border Security: Engaging the KTLA/KNLA will stabilize Thailand’s western frontier and reduce cross-border violence, trafficking, and instability.

• Manage Refugee Flows: Cooperation with KTLA/KNLA allows for organized, humane management of refugee populations.

• Strengthen Regional Stability: Supporting local governance in Karen areas counters the spread of Burmese military influence and Chinese expansionist ambitions.

• Humanitarian Leadership: Thailand can position itself as a regional leader in humanitarian diplomacy and border stabilization.

Recommended Strategic Actions

1. Frame the Narrative:

   • Emphasize that KTLA/KNLA governance promotes security, stability, and humanitarian order.

2. Initiate Quiet Diplomacy:

   • Establish backchannel communications through provincial officials and trusted NGOs.

3. Showcase KTLA Governance:

   • Highlight the KTLA’s work in healthcare, education, and justice as models of local leadership.

4. Develop Refugee Cooperation:

   • Build joint refugee management plans with KTLA/KNLA to improve conditions and control illegal flows.

5. Coordinate a Targeted PR Effort:

   • Share KTLA-led humanitarian success stories in Thai media to build public understanding.

6. Pursue Informal Recognition:

   • Begin by normalizing local partnerships; move carefully toward broader recognition.

7. Regionalize and Expand Support:

   • Engage ASEAN, India, and Japan as silent supporters of humanitarian cooperation.

Conclusion

By pragmatically engaging the Kawthoolei Government (KTLA) and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), Thailand can turn a vulnerable border into a bridge for peace, security, and regional leadership.