Hated in Myanmar, feted abroad? President inches towards normality with Thailand trip

Thailand’s acknowledgement of Min Aung Hlaing’s legitimacy stems from a ‘straight up pragmatism’, analysts say

Democracy champion Suu Kyi was arrested and made her first public appearance in over two years on Monday – a headline-stealing photo opportunity coming just days before the president’s state visit to Thailand.

Min Aung Hlaing begins his two-day trip to Bangkok on Thursday, his first since a controversial general election held only in military-controlled areas earlier this year.

For now, Asean still bars Myanmar from its full summits, holding on to a five-point agreement that commits Naypyidaw to ending its violent campaign against its civilian population.