Myanmar’s junta leader Min Aung Hlaing faced protests in Bangkok on Friday as he attended a regional summit, despite the ongoing crisis in his earthquake-ravaged country.
Demonstrators displayed banners calling him a “murderer” outside the venue, criticising his presence while survivors in Myanmar struggled for food, shelter, and aid.
The 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar last week has claimed over 3,000 lives, with the UN estimating that up to three million people may have been affected. Survivors in the worst-hit areas, such as Sagaing and Mandalay, remain in desperate need, with many sleeping on the streets as they await help.
While global rescue teams and aid organisations have stepped in, the Myanmar military’s response has been largely absent, AFP reports.
Meanwhile, Min Aung Hlaing joined fellow leaders from Bay of Bengal nations at a Bangkok hotel, a move condemned by critics who accuse him of war crimes and human rights abuses.
‘We do not welcome murderer’
The decision to invite Myanmar’s junta chief sparked outrage. Protesters hung a banner near the summit venue that read: “We do not welcome murderer Min Aung Hlaing.” Myanmar’s opposition National Unity Government (NUG) strongly criticised his participation, calling it an insult to justice.
“Allowing the junta leader and his representatives to participate in regional and international forums risks legitimising an illegal regime,” the NUG said.
Yadanar Maung, spokesperson for the Justice for Myanmar campaign group, described his attendance as “deplorable.”
“This legitimises and emboldens a military junta that the people of Myanmar have been resisting for over four years,” she added.
Myanmar military continues airstrikes
In Sagaing, close to the earthquake’s epicentre, survivors were seen scrambling for essential supplies. Many have been forced to set up makeshift camps after their homes were destroyed or left uninhabitable.
Despite the urgent humanitarian crisis, Myanmar’s military has continued its offensive against ethnic armed groups. The junta carried out airstrikes on rebel-held areas even as quake survivors pleaded for assistance, drawing international condemnation.
Junta chief attends Gala
On Thursday night, Min Aung Hlaing attended a gala dinner with other leaders at the Shangri-La hotel. The veteran general, who seized power in a 2021 coup, remains under global sanctions and is facing potential prosecution at the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity against Rohingya Muslims.
His participation in the summit is his first international trip outside China, Russia, or Belarus since 2021. The gathering provides him with an opportunity for face-to-face diplomacy with key regional leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Thailand proposed a joint statement on the disaster. Some armed groups paused fighting to let aid through, but clashes still happen.
India launched ‘Operation Brahma’ last week, sending an NDRF team to Myanmar’s quake-hit region, where thousands are feared dead, injured, or missing. The team is self-sufficient and skilled in heavy urban search and rescue operations. New Delhi also airlifted equipment and tools in two sorties for rescue and relief efforts.
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