Thai, Myanmar military chiefs meet as post-coup thaw progresses

BANGKOK – Thailand's top general extended a warm reception to Myanmar's military chief during a visit to the Thai capital on Thursday. This marks the country's first foreign trip by the armed forces leader since he orchestrated a coup in 2021. Myanmar's military overthrew an elected government, detaining the leader Aung San Suu Kyi and sparking a civil war that has been marred by allegations of severe human rights abuses.

For years, the post-coup regime has kept itself isolated, but it has started a diplomatic push in recent times. After the elections, Min Aung Hlaing, who led the coup, became the civilian president, while Ye Win Oo assumed the role of military leader. Thai military chief Ukris Boontanondha welcomed Ye Win Oo at Bangkok's hotel, with discussions expected to revolve around their shared border of 2,400 kilometers.

The war, which has displaced people into Thailand, has left an estimated 100,000 dead. The international community remains divided on how to approach Myanmar following the elections, with some criticizing the polls as a sham while others see them as a step towards normalcy. Despite Thailand's recent outreach, human rights groups argue that the visit legitimizes a warlord and compounds the regime's lack of credibility.

Meanwhile, the UN has accused the military led by Ye Win Oo of escalating aerial attacks on civilians and documented arbitrary detentions, torture, and sexual violence.