Myanmar’s junta leader-turned-president Min Aung Hlaing is scheduled to make an official trip to Thailand on August 6 and 7, Thailand’s foreign minister confirmed to AFP on Wednesday. The visit is seen as the latest move by Myanmar’s new administration to establish itself as a legitimate government on the world stage.
The announcement comes shortly after ASEAN foreign ministers held meetings in Thailand last week, where they sat down separately with both Myanmar’s foreign minister and opposition representatives.
While in Thailand, Min Aung Hlaing is expected to hold talks with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow spoke to AFP about the ongoing situation in Myanmar, saying, “Definitely, I have expectations, but I have to be realistic. Let’s keep moving forward.”
Myanmar has been gripped by political instability for the past five years, ever since Min Aung Hlaing led a military coup that removed a democratically elected government from power.
Earlier this April, Min Aung Hlaing was named president by the country’s parliament following elections that were widely criticized by human rights organizations and Western governments as a “sham.”
