Representatives from Myanmar and neighboring countries met in Bangkok on Thursday to discuss the situation in the war-torn country. Thai officials say various issues were on the table, including Myanmar’s general elections scheduled for next year.

Foreign ministers and senior officials from Thailand, India, Laos, Bangladesh and China attended the unofficial meeting. Myanmar Foreign Minister Than Swe was also present.

Thailand’s foreign minister explained at a news conference after the meeting that Myanmar’s envoy had provided an update on the country’s political roadmap, including conducting a national census before the general election.

He added that Myanmar had also expressed its intention to invite election observers from abroad, especially from neighboring countries. Participants welcomed this decision.

Since the junta took power in 2021, Myanmar has faced prolonged fighting between military and pro-democracy forces, as well as armed ethnic minorities.

Pro-democracy forces have called for a boycott of the census. Critics ridicule the junta’s desire to hold elections as a sham.