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 planned for next year.

Foreign ministers and senior officials from Thailand, India, Laos, Bangladesh and China attended the unofficial meeting. Myanmar's military-appointed foreign minister, Than Swe, was also there.

Thailand's foreign minister explained at a news conference after the meeting that Myanmar's envoy gave an update on the country's political roadmap, including conducting a national census ahead of the general election.

He added Myanmar also expressed its intention to invite election observers from abroad, particularly from neighboring countries. The participants welcomed the move.

Since the junta seized power in 2021, Myanmar has been in protracted 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 deride the junta's push to hold an election as a sham.