Myanmar’s ex-junta chief on first Thailand trip as civilian leader

Myanmar's ex-junta chief, Min Aung Hlaing, is set to embark on his first visit to Thailand as a civilian leader on Thursday, as he endeavors to reintegrate his country into the diplomatic fold. As a military general, Hlaing orchestrated a coup in 2021 that ousted the democratically elected leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, sparking a civil war that claimed over 100,000 lives.

Following a sham election in April, Hlaing was appointed as Myanmar's president, a move criticized by democracy watchdogs and Western nations. Neighboring Thailand has been actively working to normalize relations with Myanmar, both individually and through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). Since his transition to civilian dress, Hlaing has been touring diplomatic hotspots, including India, China, and Asean member Laos.

The visit to Thailand is seen as a strategic move for Myanmar, as recognition from the regional bloc could potentially pave the way for normalization with Western countries. During his Bangkok visit, Hlaing is expected to meet with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, attend a business forum, and a government-hosted dinner. A memorandum of understanding on labour cooperation is anticipated.

While some critics question Thailand's decision to extend a warm welcome to Hlaing, given his sanctions and the ongoing conflicts in Myanmar, analysts argue that Bangkok has a vested interest in repairing its relationships due to the spillover of military conflicts into Thailand and the presence of illicit activities originating from Myanmar.