Myanmar's ex-junta chief Min Aung Hlaing is on his first visit to Thailand as a civilian leader, marking a significant step in his efforts to reintegrate Myanmar into the international community. This visit comes after a 2021 military coup led by Min Aung Hlaing that ousted democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi and sparked a civil war. Thailand, under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, is leading an effort to normalize relations with Myanmar, both bilaterally and through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Background and Context
Min Aung Hlaing led the military coup in February 2021, which resulted in the ousting of Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy (NLD) government. The coup triggered widespread protests and a civil war, with estimates suggesting over 100,000 deaths. Min Aung Hlaing was subsequently installed as Myanmar's president in April 2026, following elections widely condemned as a sham by democracy watchdogs and Western nations.
Thailand has been at the forefront of efforts to normalize relations with Myanmar. Despite ASEAN's exclusion of Myanmar's leadership from high-level summits since the coup, Thailand has continued to engage with Myanmar's government. This visit follows Min Aung Hlaing's diplomatic tour, which included visits to India, China, and Laos.
Implications and Reactions
The visit is part of Min Aung Hlaing's broader diplomatic push to regain international acceptance. Myanmar's return to ASEAN would facilitate normalization with other countries, including Western nations that have opposed the military regime. However, Myanmar has already secured recognition from India, China, Russia, and Thailand, making ASEAN membership more of a symbolic achievement.
Critics argue that Thailand should not welcome Min Aung Hlaing, given his sanctions by Western nations and an International Criminal Court warrant for crimes against humanity. Nonetheless, Thailand has strategic reasons to repair relations, including managing cross-border issues such as refugee flows, cyberscam networks, and illicit drug trafficking.
During the visit, Min Aung Hlaing is expected to meet with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and attend a business forum. The two sides are likely to sign a memorandum of understanding on labour cooperation. Thailand's Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has indicated that combating scam networks and illicit drugs will be key topics of discussion.
