Myanmar's Min Aung Hlaing to Make First Thailand Visit as Civilian President

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Bangkok: Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing, the former junta ruler who took power in the 2021 military coup, is scheduled to make his first official visit to Thailand on August 6-7 since being civilian president earlier this year. The trip is viewed as yet another attempt by Myanmar's military-backed administration to re-establish regional connections and achieve international credibility following heavily criticised polls that cleared the way for his transition to civilian authority.

During the visit, Min Aung Hlaing is set to meet with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The visit follows previous diplomatic contacts between Myanmar and surrounding countries, including discussions with ASEAN leaders, as Bangkok attempts to maintain communication lines despite the ongoing turmoil within Myanmar. Thai officials have stated that they remain realistic about the problems but believe that ongoing engagement would contribute to regional stability.

Myanmar has been embroiled in civil war since the military deposed the democratic government led by Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021. Although the military technically handed over control to a civilian administration led by Min Aung Hlaing following contentious elections earlier this year, many Western nations and rights organisations continue to doubt the validity of the democratic transition. ASEAN has also continued pressure on Myanmar to follow its peace plan and put a stop to the violence.