Thailand has welcomed Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the leader of Myanmar’s military junta, to a regional summit just weeks after an earthquake killed over 3,000 people in his country. The visit, which takes place barely a week after the disaster, has sparked criticism from human rights groups and diplomats who say Thailand is ignoring protests and legitimizing the regime.
Min Aung Hlaing has long been a pariah on the global stage due to his role in the 2021 coup that ousted Myanmar’s democratically elected government. The junta has been criticized for its brutal response to protests, including airstrikes that have killed thousands of people. Despite international sanctions and an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court, Min Aung Hlaing is seeking to garner international attention and legitimacy.
The visit has been described as “insulting” by some, who say it shows Thailand’s government is more concerned with maintaining relations with the military junta than with human rights. Human rights groups have called on Thailand to disinvite Min Aung Hlaing, arguing that engaging with the regime legitimizes it and causes harm to the people of Myanmar.
The visit comes as Myanmar’s military continues to face criticism for its actions in the ongoing civil war, which has displaced millions of people and ravaged the economy. The junta has been accused of perpetuating human rights abuses and undermining democracy in the country.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/03/world/asia/myanmar-general-earthquake.html