Ignoring Protests, Thailand Opens Door to Myanmar’s Military Leader - The New York Times

Key Events

Myanmar's military leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, visited Bangkok for a regional summit, marking his first trip to a Southeast Asian nation since April 2021. This visit occurred despite international sanctions and an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity. The visit follows a devastating earthquake in Myanmar that killed at least 3,085 people.

Thailand's Perspective

Thailand's government sees this visit as a way to manage the influx of refugees from Myanmar. However, critics argue that Thailand prioritizes its own interests over human rights concerns.

Criticism and Controversy

The visit has drawn criticism for several reasons:

• It is viewed as an insult to ASEAN, which had previously barred Min Aung Hlaing from meetings.
• Critics say Thailand prioritizes stability over human rights considerations.
• Concerns persist regarding the ongoing civil war in Myanmar and human rights violations.