Myanmar Leader Visits Thailand in Bid to Strengthen International Standing

Myanmar's military-backed President Min Aung Hlaing on Thursday paid his first official visit to Thailand since seizing power in a 2021 military coup, as he seeks to strengthen his government's international legitimacy and deepen economic ties with neighboring countries.

During talks in Bangkok with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Min Aung Hlaing said his administration is committed to ending Myanmar's civil conflict, restoring national peace, and promoting reconciliation.

"Myanmar is moving toward a better future," he said, adding that his government is working to achieve stability and revive the country's economy.

The two leaders also addressed the Thailand-Myanmar Business Forum, where Thailand reaffirmed its support for stronger economic cooperation. Myanmar invited foreign investors to explore opportunities in sectors including energy, agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and technology.

Myanmar is also seeking to regain full participation in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) after its military-led government was suspended from high-level meetings over its failure to implement the bloc's peace roadmap following the 2021 coup.

However, the visit sparked protests in Bangkok, with democracy activists accusing Thailand of helping legitimize Myanmar's military rulers. Demonstrators gathered outside the United Nations regional headquarters, holding placards condemning Min Aung Hlaing and calling for accountability over alleged human rights abuses.

Myanmar has remained engulfed in a civil war since the military takeover, with tens of thousands of people killed and millions displaced, according to conflict monitoring groups.

Western governments continue to impose sanctions on Myanmar's military leadership, citing the overthrow of the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi and subsequent human rights violations.

Meanwhile, Suu Kyi, who remains under house arrest, recently met a representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), marking one of the few confirmed external contacts she has had since her detention. Her family has welcomed the development but says independent confirmation of her wellbeing is still needed.

• Tweet
• Share
• Share
• Share
• Share