Protests erupted in Bangkok on Friday as Myanmar’s military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, attended a regional summit a week after a devastating earthquake killed thousands in Myanmar. Demonstrators displayed a banner reading, “We do not welcome murderer Min Aung Hlaing,” highlighting the widespread anger against the junta leader’s presence at the meeting, given his role in the brutal 2021 coup and ongoing human rights abuses.
The earthquake, which struck Myanmar with a magnitude of 7.7, has claimed over 3,000 lives, with thousands more injured and millions affected. Many survivors have been left without shelter, as entire neighborhoods were destroyed. In Sagaing, one of the worst-hit regions, survivors are enduring dire conditions, sleeping in streets or makeshift tent cities as aid trickles in. Volunteer teams have worked tirelessly to bring water, rice, and other necessities to the devastated areas, but the situation remains chaotic.
Despite the unfolding tragedy, Min Aung Hlaing attended the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok, where he was warmly received by Thai officials and other leaders from Bay of Bengal nations. The decision to invite the junta chief has been met with sharp criticism from Myanmar’s opposition National Unity Government (NUG), which condemned his presence as an endorsement of an illegal and brutal regime. Human rights groups also expressed outrage, with Yadanar Maung from Justice for Myanmar calling the invitation “deplorable.”
The junta, accused of war crimes and atrocities against the Rohingya Muslims, has been under international sanctions and isolation. However, it has found support from countries like China and Russia. Min Aung Hlaing’s trip to Thailand marks his first foreign visit outside of his allies since the coup, underlining his efforts to gain diplomatic legitimacy despite his controversial rule.
As Myanmar’s people struggle to recover from the devastating earthquake, the junta continues its military campaign against rebel groups, complicating the already fragile situation.
