Thailand defends visit by Myanmar junta chief

Thailand has brushed aside concerns that hosting Myanmar’s military leader Min Aung Hlaing could tarnish its international reputation, insisting that direct dialogue is vital to regional peace and stability.

Government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek said on Wednesday that Bangkok’s priority was to encourage Myanmar’s gradual reintegration into ASEAN while tackling cross‑border challenges. “If Myanmar is peaceful, people living along Thailand’s border will also benefit,” she noted, stressing that neighbours must engage directly rather than isolate one another.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has invited Min Aung Hlaing for an official visit on 3–4 August, just ahead of the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok. The agenda is expected to cover a wide range of issues: restoring peace in Myanmar, tackling drug trafficking and scam operations, and addressing environmental concerns such as open burning, river pollution and transboundary haze.

Anutin confirmed he would raise the problem of toxic contamination in the Kok River, which flows from Myanmar into northern Thailand. He said discussions would focus on practical cooperation rather than ceremonial diplomacy, adding that Thailand had not yet approached China over the matter, preferring to resolve issues directly with its immediate neighbour first.

Myanmar has reportedly welcomed Thailand’s efforts to keep channels open, including an informal ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting in Bangkok attended by Myanmar’s representative.

Ratchada said Naypyidaw had even requested Thai technical assistance on environmental management, acknowledging concerns about pollution drifting across the border.

Asked whether the visit might damage Thailand’s image given Min Aung Hlaing’s global reputation, Ratchada was firm: “Countries that are not Myanmar’s neighbours may not understand that we have to live together. If peace and stability return to Myanmar, Thailand and the Thai people will benefit as well.”

The visit underscores Thailand’s balancing act: maintaining international credibility while pursuing pragmatic engagement with a troubled neighbour whose instability directly affects its borders.

-2026-07-23