Thailand Defends Myanmar Junta Chief's Planned Visit
Thailand is defending its invitation for Myanmar's junta chief Min Aung Hlaing to visit Bangkok, saying direct engagement is necessary to address cross-border issues like drug trafficking and environmental pollution. The government argues t
BANGKOK — 22 July 2026, The Thai government has dismissed concerns that an upcoming visit by Myanmar junta chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing could damage Thailand's international image, arguing that direct engagement with Myanmar is necessary to promote peace and address cross-border problems.
Government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek said on Wednesday that Thailand wanted Myanmar to gradually resume a greater role within ASEAN while continuing efforts to support peace and stability in the neighbouring country.
"If Myanmar is peaceful, people living along Thailand's border will also benefit," she said, adding that cooperation between neighbouring countries required their leaders to engage in direct dialogue.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has invited Min Aung Hlaing to make an official visit to Thailand ahead of the BIMSTEC summit, which is due to be held in Bangkok in early August.
Ratchada said the two leaders were expected to discuss a wide range of issues affecting both countries, including efforts to restore peace in Myanmar, drug trafficking, scam operations, transboundary environmental problems, open burning and river pollution.
She said Myanmar had expressed appreciation for Thailand's efforts to help bring the country back into closer engagement with ASEAN.
Ratchada cited an informal meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers hosted by Thailand, which was also attended by Myanmar's foreign minister, as an example of Bangkok's efforts to maintain dialogue.
Myanmar had also acknowledged concerns raised by Thailand over pollution originating across the border and had requested Thai technical assistance on open burning and environmental management, she said.
Asked whether hosting Min Aung Hlaing could harm the government's image because of his international reputation, Ratchada said Thailand was not concerned.
"Countries that are not Myanmar's neighbours may not understand that we have to live together," she said.
"If peace and stability return to Myanmar, Thailand and the Thai people will benefit as well. We need to help one another, not isolate them."
