Military council leader Min Aung Hlaing is set to depart for Bangkok, Thailand on the morning of April 3rd via a special military aircraft piloted by Lieutenant Colonel Min Min Soe from the Air Force. He will be attending the BIMSTEC conference in Bangkok, which will be chaired by Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The conference will be attended by representatives from BIMSTEC member countries including India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, and Thailand.
The special military aircraft carrying Min Aung Hlaing will be crewed by Lieutenant Colonel Min Min Soe as the pilot, Major Nay Htun Oo and Captain Min Min Htike as co-pilots, Captain Aung Kyaw Myint as flight engineer, and Captain Chaw Thazin as navigation officer. The flight will depart from Naypyidaw to Bangkok for the conference proceedings.
The National Unity Government has issued an official statement demanding that the military council leader Min Aung Hlaing not be allowed to attend the BIMSTEC summit in Thailand. Despite Myanmar currently facing earthquake disaster impacts, Min Aung Hlaing is proceeding with his attendance at the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok, refusing to cancel the trip. Analysts view this trip as an attempt to seek international legitimacy amid ongoing domestic crisis. The conference brings together regional leaders, though Min Aung Hlaing’s participation has drawn criticism from pro-democracy forces who oppose the military council’s representation of Myanmar at international forums.
