Myanmar Junta Leader's Diplomatic Step Amidst Earthquake Tragedy

Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar's junta leader, will attend the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok amidst an earthquake crisis in his country. This rare visit follows Myanmar's exclusion from ASEAN summits due to non-compliance with a peace plan. The summit aims to strengthen regional cooperation among South Asian nations.

Myanmar's junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing, is set to make a notable appearance at a regional summit in Bangkok, attending the BIMSTEC meeting amidst the unfolding earthquake tragedy in Myanmar. With the seismic disaster claiming nearly 2,886 lives, his presence is especially significant, marking a rare trip to a Southeast Asian nation since his controversial seizure of power in 2021.

Despite facing Western sanctions and a ban from ASEAN events due to a lapse in implementing a peace accord, Min Aung Hlaing's attendance was confirmed by Thailand's foreign ministry. The summit, involving countries including Thailand, India, and Bangladesh, offers an unusual platform to navigate the diplomatic constraints his regime faces internationally.

This outreach comes as Myanmar reels from its deadliest natural disaster in decades, potentially reshaping diplomatic interactions for the isolated nation. The BIMSTEC summit is scheduled from April 2-4, promising discussions to bolster regional cooperation, despite the undercurrent of Myanmar's internal strife and recent natural calamities.

(With inputs from agencies.)