Military council leader Min Aung Hlaing was forced to make an early departure from the BIMSTEC conference in Thailand following protests by Thai citizens, according to military sources in Naypyidaw. The protesters in Bangkok labeled him as a murderer and demonstrated their rejection of his presence in their country. The protests took place in front of the United Nations office in Bangkok, where Thai nationalist groups attempted to attack the protesters. However, Thai police intervened to protect and escort the protest leaders to safety.
The incident occurred while Myanmar is still dealing with the aftermath of an earthquake that has left many civilians in distress. Meanwhile, in Ngapudaw Township of Ayeyarwady Region, a confrontation broke out between military council troops and civilians when soldiers attempted to seize and abuse the crew of a motorboat. During the clash, police officer Moe Htet Wathta Kyaw was killed, and the civilians managed to escape with a pistol they seized during the confrontation. This event reflects the ongoing tension between the military council’s oppressive actions and civilian resistance.
The early departure of Min Aung Hlaing from the BIMSTEC conference marks a significant diplomatic embarrassment for the military council, as it demonstrates the growing international rejection of their authority. The protests in Thailand, combined with the continued resistance within Myanmar, highlight the widespread opposition to the military council’s rule and their use of violence against civilians. The incident in Ngapudaw Township is just one of many examples of how civilians continue to resist the military council’s attempts to maintain control through force and intimidation.
