Myanmar's Junta Leader to Attend Summit Amid Earthquake Crisis

Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing’s attendance at the Bangkok summit comes as Myanmar grapples with the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that has caused significant casualties and infrastructure damage, complicating aid efforts.

Myanmar's military ruler, Min Aung Hlaing, will make an appearance at a regional summit in Thailand even as the nation continues to face the devastating aftermath of a recent earthquake. The disaster, which struck central Myanmar last Friday, has reportedly claimed the lives of at least 3,085 people, with thousands more injured and missing, according to the junta's statements.

The upcoming summit will convene leaders from seven countries bordering the Bay of Bengal, including host Thailand, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. This marks a notable moment for Hlaing, as leaders subjected to international sanctions are generally not permitted to attend such gatherings.

The earthquake's impact was also felt in Thailand, where it resulted in 21 casualties. In response to the catastrophe, Thailand has proposed a collective statement addressing the disaster during the summit.

In the wake of the earthquake, multiple nations and organizations have dispatched aid and rescue teams to assist Myanmar, yet efforts have been hampered by inadequate infrastructure and the ongoing civil war gripping the country since the military takeover in 2021. The junta has issued a temporary ceasefire in an effort to facilitate humanitarian assistance; however, prior to this declaration, military airstrikes persisted in regions held by armed rebellion, including areas heavily affected by the quake.

Moreover, a confrontation occurred when military personnel reportedly fired upon a Chinese Red Cross convoy delivering aid, claiming the convoy failed to stop when instructed. Humanitarian organizations are now pressing the junta to remove barriers hindering aid distribution. The United Nations has called on the global community to bolster support before the impending monsoon season, expected to arrive in a month, further intensifying the crisis facing the beleaguered nation.