Myanmar's Min Aung Hlaing arrives in Thailand on first trip as civilian leader
Myanmar's military leader Min Aung Hlaing has visited Thailand, marking his first official trip abroad since the 2021 coup. The visit highlights Thailand's strategy of 'calibrated re-engagement' despite international criticism and sanctions against the regime.
Why it matters
The visit signals a potential shift in regional diplomatic relations regarding Myanmar's military junta, challenging the isolationist stance held by other ASEAN members.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Jonathan Head South East Asia correspondent The BBC's Jonathan Head explains what the meeting between the leaders means Myanmar's military leader Min Aung Hlaing has arrived on an official visit to Thailand, his first since he launched the coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government in 2021.
The coup ignited a civil war, which has killed thousands of people and wrecked the economy.
Min Aung Hlaing, who was already subject to sanctions over his involvement in the mass expulsion of Muslim Rohingyas in 2017, has been an international pariah, barred from western countries and accused of crimes against humanity.
He was declared president in April and left his position as military commander, following an election which was widely condemned for being neither free nor fair.
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