Myanmar Junta Chief Visits Thailand as Push for Recognition Faces Fresh Criticism

Myanmar's military backed President Min Aung Hlaing arrived in Thailand on Thursday for a two day official visit, marking one of his biggest diplomatic outings since taking power in the 2021 military coup. The trip is seen as another attempt by the junta leader to gain regional and international acceptance despite continued criticism over Myanmar's civil war and human rights record.

Min Aung Hlaing is scheduled to hold talks with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul before both sides sign agreements covering migrant labour, river water management and space technology. The two leaders will also attend the Thailand Myanmar Business Forum, where the Myanmar leader is expected to invite foreign investors to return to the country.

The visit comes just months after Min Aung Hlaing became president following elections that were rejected by opposition groups and many Western nations as neither free nor fair. Since the coup, Myanmar has remained under Western sanctions while fighting between the military and resistance groups continues across large parts of the country. Rights group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners says more than 8,200 civilians have been killed and over 31,600 people have been arrested since 2021.

The trip has drawn sharp criticism from Justice For Myanmar and Fortify Rights, which say Thailand is giving the military government legitimacy. Thailand, however, has defended its policy of engaging with Myanmar, saying dialogue is needed to support peace and stability in the region.

The visit follows a rare International Committee of the Red Cross meeting with detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi, the first known visit by an independent humanitarian organisation since her detention in 2021. While Myanmar has presented the meeting as a positive step, rights groups and the United Nations continue to call for Suu Kyi's release and a return to democratic rule.