Myanmar junta chief to visit Thailand for first time as president

Myanmar's junta chief Min Aung Hlaing is set to visit Bangkok for the 6th BIMSTEC summit, his first trip to Thailand since assuming the presidency. This visit signals Myanmar's bid to rejoin the international diplomatic community after its pariah status following the 2021 coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi.

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He wants to be seen as a responsible member of ASEAN in one way, then paradoxically to totally reject the five-point consensus.

Thailand, a neighboring country, is spearheading efforts to normalize relations with Myanmar, both directly and through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). While ASEAN has excluded Myanmar's leadership from high-level summits since the coup, the country's foreign minister recently attended an informal meeting with regional counterparts in Thailand. Min Aung Hlaing has also been actively engaging in diplomacy, visiting key allies like India and China, as well as Laos.

Analysts suggest that Min Aung Hlaing's pursuit of re-entry into ASEAN is primarily for "pure status." However, Myanmar's leaders have consistently refused to engage with the bloc's Five-Point Consensus, which calls for an end to hostilities through dialogue. This creates a paradox where the junta seeks to be seen as a responsible ASEAN member while simultaneously rejecting the consensus.

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Thailand believed Myanmar, as well as Cambodia, could “do a lot more” to combat scam networks, and the issue would be raised during Min Aung Hlaing's visit.

Thailand has strategic reasons for pursuing restored ties. The ongoing conflict between Myanmar's military and various rebel factions has led to spillover effects along the long border with Thailand, including the presence of millions of refugees, cyber scam networks, and illicit drug traffickers. Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow indicated that Thailand would raise concerns about these issues during Min Aung Hlaing's visit, while also welcoming a recent meeting between Aung San Suu Kyi and the International Committee of the Red Cross as a potential step towards peace.

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hoping that authorities “will undertake further positive steps towards lasting peace and stability in Myanmar.”