Thailand Congratulates Min Aung Hlaing on Myanmar Presidency

Thailand’s Anutin Charnvirakul has become the first ASEAN leader to congratulate Min Aung Hlaing on his appointment as Myanmar’s president-elect, junta media reported on Wednesday.

The coup leader doffed his uniform to take up the post as head of state last Friday, following a sham phased election in which he did not participate.

In his letter of congratulation quoted by junta media, the Thai prime minister said Bangkok “stands ready to support Myanmar’s effort toward peace, stability and national development.” He also expressed confidence that relations between their two countries—which share a 2,400-kilometer border—would strengthen under Min Aung Hlaing’s leadership.