Political situation in Myanmar

Junta leader received in Thailand – visit draws criticism

Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing has begun a two-day visit to Thailand, writes the BBC. It will be his first state visit as a civilian leader.

Min Aung Hlaing took power in a military coup in 2021. He became president in April after an election widely considered to have been rigged.

According to the AP, critics believe that Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is legitimizing the regime by receiving the visit.

Thailand wants to deepen contacts with its neighbor and is expected to address cross-border crime, fraud networks and drug trafficking, among other issues.

Expert: Friendly words risk legitimizing the junta

– Myanmar is on its way to democracy and a better future, says the country's President Min Aung Hlaing during a state visit to Thailand, reports Reuters.

The trip is described as a “legitimacy mission” for the nation, which has been relatively isolated in the region since Min Aung Hlaing’s military coup in 2021.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) no longer allows Myanmar to attend its high-level meetings, and according to a spokesperson for the organization, this will not change anytime soon.

Southeast Asia expert Dulyapak Preecharush of Thammasat University says Thailand needs to balance its economic interests with the risk of appearing to legitimize the junta.

“When the relationship becomes close and friendly, it can naturally move in that direction,” he says.