BANGKOK: Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing met Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in Bangkok yesterday on his first visit to Thailand as civilian leader, as he seeks to restore diplomatic ties for his internationally isolated country.
Min Aung Hlaing led the 2021 military coup that ousted elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, triggering a civil war that has killed more than 100,000 people. He became president in April following elections widely criticised by democracy watchdogs and Western governments as a bid to legitimise military rule.
Thailand has taken the lead in efforts to normalise relations with Myanmar, both bilaterally and through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which has excluded Myanmar’s military leadership from high-level meetings since the coup.
Anutin said the talks offered an opportunity to strengthen cooperation, while Min Aung Hlaing said his government was working towards democracy, stability and restoring normal relations with ASEAN.
The two countries also signed a memorandum of understanding on labour cooperation.
Min Aung Hlaing has intensified diplomatic outreach since becoming president, visiting India, China and Laos.
Ahead of his Bangkok trip, Suu Kyi was allowed to meet an International Committee of the Red Cross representative, her first publicised meeting with a foreign official since her ouster.
Analysts said Myanmar’s return to ASEAN could help pave the way for broader international acceptance, although the junta has rejected the bloc’s five-point consensus calling for an end to violence and dialogue.
Rights groups criticised Thailand for giving Min Aung Hlaing a warm welcome, noting that he remains under Western sanctions and is wanted by the International Criminal Court over alleged crimes against humanity.
Thailand nevertheless has strong practical reasons to engage Myanmar. Fighting along their shared border has displaced refugees into Thailand, while Bangkok also faces cross-border problems involving cybercrime networks and drug trafficking.
Thai officials said combating scam networks would be among the issues discussed during the visit, while Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow welcomed Suu Kyi’s Red Cross meeting and expressed hope for further steps towards peace and stability. – AFP
