Myanmar’s ex-junta chief set for first Thailand visit as civilian leader

BANGKOK: Myanmar's former junta chief, Min Aung Hlaing, is set to arrive in Thailand on Thursday, marking his inaugural visit to the country since becoming the nation's civilian leader. Hlaing, who led a military coup in 2021 that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi, has been garnering support for a possible return to the diplomatic scene for his country.

The ex-general orchestrated a staged election in April, which critics, including Western nations and democracy watchdogs, dubbed a sham designed to improve Myanmar's image. Thailand has been taking the lead in attempting to normalize relations between the two countries, both directly and within the 11-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).

The association had previously barred Myanmar's leadership from key summits following the coup but allowed Thailand's foreign minister to join an informal meeting with regional counterparts in Thailand recently. Min Aung Hlaing has been actively pursuing diplomatic ties since transitioning to civilian rule, visiting India, China, and Laos in the meantime.

Although Suu Kyi, who remains under house arrest, was permitted to meet with an International Committee of the Red Cross representative on Monday, her first interaction with a foreign official since her removal, Myanmar's leaders have yet to commit to the Asean's "five-point consensus" aimed at ending the conflict through dialogue with all parties.

Analyst David Mathieson noted that Hlaing's push for Asean reintegration is driven by a desire for status, while simultaneously rejecting the consensus. Thailand's foreign minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, expressed confidence in Myanmar and Cambodia working more on combating scam networks and spillover issues from Myanmar's civil war, which has spilled into Thailand, causing millions of refugees to flee.

Phuangketkeow also welcomed Suu Kyi's meeting with the Red Cross, hoping for further positive steps towards lasting peace and stability. Upon his arrival in Bangkok, Hlaing will be greeted by an honor guard at Government House and meet with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The two nations are expected to sign a labor cooperation memorandum during the visit.

However, critics argue that Thailand should not be welcoming Hlaing, who has been sanctioned by several Western countries and is wanted by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity, instead of condemning his actions.