KUNMING, China – In an unexpected diplomatic engagement, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Myanmar’s junta chief, General Min Aung Hlaing, on the sidelines of regional summits in China on Nov 7. This marked one of the few international trips by the junta leader amidst ongoing civil strife at home following the military’s 2021 coup.
The meeting took place during the Greater Mekong Subregion and ACMECS summits, hosted in Kunming. Paetongtarn, highlighting Thailand’s stance, said, “We had a private conversation, and there was nothing unexpected. I offered our goodwill to cultivate peace.” The countries share a 2,000km border where conflict in Myanmar has intermittently spilled over, affecting Thai border trade.
While Asean has pushed for peace and dialogue, Myanmar’s military has largely resisted these calls. Paetongtarn reiterated Thailand’s belief that there is “no military solution” and called for dialogue. She also hinted at possible support for Myanmar’s planned 2025 election, which has been dismissed by opposition groups and deemed a sham by many international observers.
Gen Min Aung Hlaing’s visit to China, his first since the coup, included meetings with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, signaling regional interest in resolving Myanmar’s crisis.