Staff Correspondent, Dhaka:
Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing’s official visit to Thailand marks another step in his effort to regain international legitimacy. It also tests ASEAN’s long-standing approach to Myanmar’s military-led government. At the same time, the visit reflects Thailand’s attempt to balance diplomatic engagement with regional stability without appearing to endorse Myanmar’s controversial leadership.
Since the 2021 military coup that ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar has faced international isolation, Western sanctions, and exclusion from high-level ASEAN summits. Now serving as president after a widely criticized election, Min Aung Hlaing is trying to rebuild diplomatic ties. Thailand is the fourth country he has officially visited, following China, India, and Laos.
Bangkok describes its policy as “calibrated re-engagement.” Thai officials argue that maintaining dialogue is more productive than complete isolation. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul hopes renewed engagement will encourage Myanmar to make progress on ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus, the regional peace plan aimed at ending the country’s prolonged conflict.
Still, Thailand faces a difficult diplomatic balancing act. Closer engagement could strengthen Bangkok’s influence within ASEAN and reinforce its role as a bridge between Myanmar and the regional bloc. But it also risks being seen as granting political legitimacy to a government that continues to face widespread international criticism. Reports of intensified military operations against civilians have added to these concerns. They raise doubts about Myanmar’s commitment to peace despite recent humanitarian gestures, including allowing Aung San Suu Kyi to meet a representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Economic interests also shape Thailand’s approach. Thailand remains one of Myanmar’s largest foreign investors, especially in the energy sector. Both countries are also looking to revive trade that has been disrupted by the civil war and tighter financial controls. While the visit is unlikely to produce major economic gains in the short term, continued dialogue could help maintain cross-border trade and cooperation.
Ultimately, Thailand’s strategy reflects a broader regional challenge. It must find a way to engage Myanmar pragmatically while continuing to support political reconciliation, peace, and ASEAN’s core principles.
