Myanmar Junta leader and President Min Aung Hlaing received a red-carpet welcome in Thailand on Thursday as Bangkok stepped up efforts to re-engage Myanmar with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
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The official visit reflects Thailand’s strategy of restoring dialogue with its conflict-hit neighbour while encouraging progress on ASEAN’s stalled peace initiative.
Formal Welcome in Bangkok
Min Aung Hlaing, who seized power in a 2021 military coup, arrived in Bangkok for an official visit.
A military band played the national anthems of both countries before Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul accompanied the Myanmar leader to inspect an honour guard.
The retired general has faced widespread Western sanctions and has sought greater international recognition since assuming the presidency in April following an election dominated by an army-backed party.
Thailand Pushes for ASEAN Re-Engagement
Thailand said it is pursuing a policy of “calibrated re-engagement” with Myanmar despite the country’s ongoing civil conflict.
Meanwhile, ASEAN continues to bar Myanmar’s top leaders from its summits because of limited progress on the bloc’s peace plan.
During talks with Thai officials, Min Aung Hlaing pledged to promote peace and improve relations with ASEAN.
He said Myanmar is moving toward democracy and will continue strengthening friendly relations with regional partners.
Analysts Warn Against Legitimising Junta
Experts said Thailand must carefully balance diplomatic engagement without appearing to endorse Myanmar’s military-led government.
They warned that closer ties could create the perception that Bangkok is legitimising Min Aung Hlaing despite the lack of meaningful progress on ASEAN’s peace roadmap.
Last month, ASEAN Special Envoy Maria Theresa Lazaro said normalising relations with Myanmar remained a distant prospect while the country’s compliance with the regional peace plan continues to be assessed.
Civil War Continues
Myanmar has remained engulfed in civil war since the military overthrew the elected government in 2021.
The conflict has reportedly killed around 100,000 people, while rights monitors say the military has intensified air strikes on civilian areas.
However, Myanmar’s government recently allowed detained Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi to meet a representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross for the first time in years.
Analysts believe the meeting could strengthen Thailand’s case for maintaining dialogue with Myanmar.
Economic Cooperation Also on Agenda
Later on Thursday, Min Aung Hlaing is scheduled to attend a business summit with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
The meeting aims to revive economic cooperation between Thailand and resource-rich Myanmar while expanding bilateral trade and investment.
