For years, Myanmar’s army chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, has been shunned on the international stage. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing has seldom ventured abroad beyond Russia and China since seizing power in a 2021 coup and has faced multiple Western sanctions. He was banned from attending ASEAN meetings due to his military’s failure to implement peace in Myanmar’s civil war. An arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court last November accused him of crimes against humanity, aimed to further isolate him.

However, on Thursday, Gen. Min Aung Hlaing arrived in Bangkok for a regional summit. Despite criticism over ongoing airstrikes in Myanmar’s civil war and an earthquake that killed 3,085 people, his presence suggests his regime seeks international recognition.

Critics argue Thailand’s acceptance of his visit shows a disregard for human rights. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing’s unpopular leadership worsened after ousting the elected government led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. Since then, Myanmar has been in conflict, with protesters and ethnic armies opposing the junta. The military retaliated with a brutal campaign, displacing millions and devastating the economy.

The general will discuss the earthquake response at the summit, which also includes India and other South Asian countries. Myanmar’s military called for a 21-day cease-fire the day after firing on a Chinese Red Cross convoy. The integrity of this cease-fire, given ongoing airstrikes, remains uncertain.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/03/world/asia/myanmar-general-earthquake.html