Min Aung Hlaing, the leader of Myanmar’s military junta, made a rare trip abroad on Thursday to meet with other Asian leaders in Bangkok, Thailand following a recent earthquake in the region. The earthquake’s devastation and toll on impoverished Myanmar prompted UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to issue a plea for international aid. Myanmar has been cut off from the rest of the world since its military overthrew the elected government of Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in a February 2021 coup. Min Aung Hlaing is attending the BIMSTEC summit and will address the potential for cooperation to carry out rescue and rehabilitation efforts. Updated casualty numbers were released on Friday, confirming that 3,145 people have been killed, more than 4,500 injured, and over 200 remain missing. The spirit of international outreach was expressed by India’s Modi, who tweeted that India is doing whatever possible to assist Myanmar during this critical time. Several of Myanmar’s neighbors, particularly China and India, have dispatched rescue teams to assist in the recovery effort. The World Food Program stated that response efforts still face significant logistical challenges. Min Aung Hlaing’s attendance at the summit has been criticized by opponents at home, with the shadow National Unity Government (NUG) stating that he does not represent Myanmar. Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied that the invitation tarnished Bangkok’s reputation. Min Aung Hlaing is under multiple global sanctions and the International Criminal Court is seeking an arrest warrant for him for alleged crimes against humanity committed against Rohingya Muslims. My

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/myanmar-junta-chief-in-thailand-days-after-fatal-earthquake/a-72134861?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf