Thai leader welcomes Myanmar coup leader amid legitimacy campaign

Myanmar's military leader, General Min Aung Hlaing, received a red-carpet welcome in Bangkok during a visit aimed at bolstering his junta's legitimacy. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul greeted the general with full honors at Government House, a move that signals a departure from the cautious approach taken by many regional neighbors.

Min Aung Hlaing, who seized power in a 2021 coup and has since been named president by a military-dominated parliament, is seeking international recognition. His visit to Thailand, a neighbor hosting thousands of Myanmar refugees, highlights Bangkok's distinct diplomatic strategy. While the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has maintained a more reserved stance, Thailand's official reception suggests a willingness to engage directly with the junta.

The Thai government stated that the visit would foster bilateral relations, particularly in security, combating transnational crime, economic cooperation, and environmental issues. Memorandums of understanding are expected to be signed. However, the visit is not without controversy, as opposition groups plan to protest outside the United Nations offices in Bangkok.

This reception in Thailand comes as Min Aung Hlaing continues his campaign to legitimize his regime. He has previously visited India, China, and Laos, meeting with leaders such as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. These diplomatic efforts occur against a backdrop of ongoing conflict in Myanmar, where, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, over 8,000 people have been killed and thousands more remain political prisoners since the 2021 coup.

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The draft joint declaration will contribute to guiding the progress of bilateral relations (...) particularly in areas of security and combating transnational crime, promoting economic cooperation and resolving environmental problems.