Min Aung Hlaing Visits Thailand and Meets Anutin with Business Leaders

Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing and Thai Prime Minister Anutin attended the "Thailand-Myanmar Business Forum" in Bangkok on the 6th, where both leaders emphasized the deepening of bilateral economic and trade cooperation as well as investment exchanges.

The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs pointed out that the "Thailand-Myanmar Business Forum" brought together business leaders, investors, and business organizations from both Thailand and Myanmar, aiming to promote the long-term development of bilateral economic cooperation, with over 700 people participating.

In his speech, Anutin stated that Thailand and Myanmar are ready to move towards a new chapter of economic cooperation. The two sides will promote cooperation in trade, investment, energy, logistics, and infrastructure on the basis of mutual trust and common interests.

He revealed that he has reached a consensus with Min Aung Hlaing to revive border trade, and that both governments will help relax regulations and improve the investment environment, encouraging companies to expand investment and deepen cooperation.

Following this, Min Aung Hlaing delivered a speech lasting about 20 minutes, introducing Myanmar's investment environment and calling on Thai companies to expand investment in Myanmar, without mentioning political topics.

He stated that Myanmar and Thailand are important strategic partners and should deepen their cooperation in trade, investment, energy, logistics, and border economy, and jointly combat illegal trade.

He said: "Our government is continuously reforming, simplifying administrative procedures, providing appropriate policy support, and creating a clearer, more stable, and more transparent investment environment."

Previously, Anutin and Min Aung Hlaing held a meeting to discuss strengthening comprehensive bilateral cooperation between the two countries. Their meeting is seen by the outside world as a major step for Min Aung Hlaing to seek international political legitimacy after Myanmar's 2021 military coup.

The Thai government issued a press release stating that Thailand and Myanmar reaffirmed their close bilateral relationship. Anutin emphasized the importance of maintaining border stability and combating transnational crime, while the Thai side also reiterated its commitment to protect the rights of Myanmar workers through a new agreement. Both countries also promised to strengthen cooperation in addressing cross-border haze and water pollution issues, and to expand cooperation in public health, agriculture, and space technology.

After the forum, Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak stated at a press conference that Thailand’s policy toward Myanmar will continue a "dual-track" strategy: on one hand, cooperating with Myanmar to handle practical issues such as border security, transnational crime, and transboundary pollution; and on the other hand, promoting Myanmar’s return to ASEAN through “step-by-step re-engagement.”

He emphasized that Thailand will continue to engage in dialogue with those in power, encourage the implementation of ASEAN’s “5-Point Consensus,” and is willing to provide a platform to facilitate peace talks when all parties are ready.

In response to media questions about whether Min Aung Hlaing’s visit would give him international political legitimacy, Sihasak said that this is not an issue of legitimacy, but a matter of reality, and as a neighboring country, Thailand is facing reality.