Myanmar ex-junta chief visits Thailand for first time as civilian leader

Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing arrived in Bangkok on Thursday for his first visit to Thailand since assuming the civilian presidency, marking another step in his effort to restore international legitimacy for Myanmar’s military-backed government.

Min Aung Hlaing seized power in a 2021 military coup that ousted elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, plunging the country into a brutal civil war that has claimed an estimated 100,000 lives. He became president in April after elections widely dismissed by Western governments and democracy advocates as a sham designed to legitimize military rule.

Thailand has emerged as a key player in efforts to re-engage Myanmar, both bilaterally and within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). While the regional bloc has barred Myanmar’s top leadership from its high-level summits since the coup, signs of a thaw have appeared in recent months, including Myanmar’s participation in an informal ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting in Bangkok.

Min Aung Hlaing has intensified his diplomatic outreach since taking office as president, visiting India, China and Laos. Ahead of his Thailand trip, Aung San Suu Kyi—who remains under house arrest—was allowed to meet a representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross, her first known meeting with a foreign official since her detention.

Experts say Myanmar’s push to regain full ASEAN membership is aimed at breaking its diplomatic isolation. Rejoining the bloc could pave the way for broader international engagement, though analysts note that Myanmar has already secured support from countries including China, India, Russia and Thailand.

During his visit, Min Aung Hlaing is expected to hold talks with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, attend a business forum and a government-hosted dinner, and oversee the signing of a labour cooperation agreement.

The visit has drawn criticism from rights groups, which argue Thailand should not welcome a leader sanctioned by several Western countries and sought by the International Criminal Court over alleged crimes against humanity.

Thailand, however, has practical reasons to engage with its neighbour. Ongoing fighting in Myanmar has pushed refugees across the shared border, while cross-border cybercrime syndicates and drug trafficking remain pressing security concerns. Thai officials are expected to raise cooperation on tackling scam networks during the talks.

Thailand has also welcomed Suu Kyi’s recent meeting with the Red Cross, expressing hope that Myanmar’s authorities will take further steps toward achieving lasting peace and stability.