Myanmar Junta Chief Attends Bangkok Summit as Earthquake Death Toll Rises Over 3,100
Myanmar’s military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, participated in a regional summit in Bangkok on Friday, just a week after a devastating earthquake struck the crisis-hit nation. The disaster has claimed more than 3,100 lives, prompting an urgent appeal for aid from the United Nations.
Since orchestrating a 2021 coup that removed an elected government, Min Aung Hlaing has been largely isolated on the global stage. However, the earthquake has created an opportunity for him to re-engage in diplomacy, including attending the BIMSTEC summit in Thailand’s capital.
During the summit, he held bilateral meetings with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, discussing various regional issues.
Myanmar Junta Seeks Disaster Relief Cooperation
As Myanmar struggles with the aftermath of the powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake—the country’s strongest in a century—the military-led government emphasized the need for international cooperation in relief efforts. According to the Global New Light of Myanmar, discussions at the summit included strategies for rescue operations, rehabilitation, and disaster relief.
The latest figures from Myanmar’s ruling military indicate that the death toll has climbed to 3,145, with over 4,500 people injured and more than 200 still missing.
“The earthquake has intensified Myanmar’s suffering, and with monsoon season approaching, the situation could worsen,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated on Thursday. He urged global efforts to turn this tragedy into an opportunity for Myanmar’s people.
United Nations humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher is set to arrive in Myanmar on Friday, followed by a visit from Julie Bishop, the UN’s special envoy for the country.
Rare International Appearance by Min Aung Hlaing
The junta leader’s presence at the summit marks a rare diplomatic engagement. He met Nepal’s prime minister on Thursday, ahead of the main discussions on economic and technical cooperation.
Images from the summit showed him seated between the prime ministers of Bhutan and Sri Lanka during a formal dinner with BIMSTEC leaders.
Following their meeting, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting discussions on connectivity, infrastructure development, and capacity building between the two nations.
Meanwhile, talks between Min Aung Hlaing and the Thai prime minister focused on disaster management, transnational crime, and repatriation efforts for individuals rescued from scam operations, according to Thai officials.
The BIMSTEC alliance, which includes Thailand, Myanmar, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan, aims to strengthen regional cooperation across multiple sectors.
Myanmar Faces Rising Challenges Amid Crisis
Even before the earthquake, Myanmar was grappling with the effects of an ongoing civil war that erupted after the 2021 coup. The conflict has severely impacted the nation’s economy, displaced over 3.5 million people, and crippled essential services such as healthcare.
In response to the disaster, neighboring countries including China, India, and several Southeast Asian nations have sent aid and rescue teams to assist in the affected regions, home to approximately 28 million people.
However, extreme heat and impending heavy rains pose additional threats, with concerns growing over potential disease outbreaks, particularly in quake-stricken areas like Mandalay, Sagaing, and the capital, Naypyitaw. Cholera and other waterborne diseases remain significant risks for displaced survivors.
“The relief response continues to face major logistical challenges,” the World Food Programme (WFP) stated on Thursday, citing damaged infrastructure, debris-blocked roads, and disrupted telecommunications as key obstacles.
In a rare move, Myanmar’s military declared a temporary ceasefire from April 10 to April 22, suspending operations against rebel groups. This follows a similar decision by a major opposition alliance and Myanmar’s shadow government, which includes remnants of the former civilian administration.
