Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing's visit to Thailand should be cancelled, Thai MP demands

August 5 Mizzima. || Thai Member of Parliament Kannavee Suebsang has called on the government led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul not to receive Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing during his visit to Thailand. Min Aung Hlaing is scheduled to make an official visit to Thailand on August 6 and 7, and Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Sihasak Phuangketkeow has confirmed that a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Anutin is planned in Bangkok. Kannavee made this demand through social media after reviewing Min Aung Hlaing's 100-day policy speech delivered at the Myanmar Parliament on July 31. He stated that Min Aung Hlaing's remarks demonstrate opposition to ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus on peace and that his accusation of ASEAN being discriminatory is a rejection of the fundamental principles agreed upon by all member state leaders. Warning of impact on border security and humanitarian issues Kannavee said that Min Aung Hlaing's actions continue on the same path as before, which directly impacts the security of the Thai-Myanmar border, stretching over 2,400 kilometers. He stated that residents in border areas have suffered injuries and deaths due to heavy artillery shelling, airspace violations, and explosions. Furthermore, he pointed out that Thailand bears a significant burden regarding refugee issues. He mentioned that nearly 100,000 refugees have been living in temporary shelters in Thailand for over 40 years, and hundreds more have arrived since the military coup in 2021. Criticism of claims of peacebuilding Kannavee criticized Min Aung Hlaing's statement of being open to peace, stating that in reality, the Myanmar military continues to carry out airstrikes on schools, religious buildings, and hospitals. He also warned that the policy of conscripting young people aged 18 to 45 could lead to an exodus of youth to other countries, potentially increasing the humanitarian, security, and financial burdens on Thailand. Accusation of blaming Thailand for online scam issue Kannavee also criticized Min Aung Hlaing's statement that 75 percent of those involved in online scam operations are foreigners entering through neighboring countries. He said this is an attempt to shift blame to Thailand for the problem and pointed out that online scam camps are under the control of armed groups within Myanmar. However, Kannavee stated that Thailand does not need to sever ties with Myanmar and must continue to cooperate on border affairs, drugs, and cross-border crimes. He urged, however, that keeping communication channels open should not lead to granting political legitimacy to a leader committing human rights abuses. The Thai government, on the other hand, has defended the visit, stating that it is part of the "two-track" policy aimed at resolving bilateral issues and discussing Myanmar's peace process. Among those criticizing the Thai government's visit is the Justice For Myanmar group, which has called on the Thai government to hold accountable the networks associated with Min Aung Hlaing. Min Aung Hlaing staged a coup in February 2021 and was appointed leader of a quasi-civilian military regime after elections organized by the military in 2025. He is under investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity related to operations against the Rohingya.