SNAGGING A VICTORY: Thailand visit bouys Min Aung Hlaing’s legitimacy plan

Mizzima Commentary

The Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing’s recent official visit to Thailand has thrown the cat amongst the pigeons. And it has bolstered the military coup-maker’s plans to legitimize his illegal rule.

The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) will now be in a quandary following the 6-7 August visit to Bangkok as a result of the invitation of Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

Thailand’s decision to roll out the red carpet for the Myanmar junta leader appears to have been guided by pragmatism on two scores.

Firstly, Bangkok seeks to deal with a host of important bilateral Thailand-Myanmar issues from border security, tackling scam centres, and dealing with migrant workers, to improving trade and business ties.