Myanmar Leader Joins Regional Summit as Quake Casualties Mount to Over 3,000
Myanmar’s military leader Min Aung Hlaing arrived in Bangkok on Thursday to attend a high-level summit just as his country reels from the devastating aftermath of a massive earthquake. The disaster has claimed 3,085 lives, injured over 4,700, and left hundreds still unaccounted for.
His attendance at the Bay of Bengal regional summit is striking, given that sanctioned leaders like him are typically barred from such international events. The gathering includes leaders from Thailand, India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
Earthquake Worsens Ongoing Crisis
The deadly quake struck central Myanmar last Friday, reducing homes, temples, and infrastructure to rubble. Many of the hardest-hit areas remain inaccessible, casting doubt on the accuracy of official casualty figures.
Aid organizations and countries worldwide have rushed to assist, but Myanmar’s poor infrastructure and active civil conflict have severely hindered relief operations. Ongoing military airstrikes continued until the junta declared a temporary ceasefire late Wednesday to facilitate humanitarian efforts.
Despite the ceasefire, tensions remain high. On Tuesday, junta troops opened fire on a Chinese Red Cross convoy, claiming it ignored signals to stop. No casualties were reported, but the incident underscores the chaotic and hostile environment aid teams face.
Unusual Diplomatic Appearance
Min Aung Hlaing’s presence in Bangkok raises diplomatic eyebrows. He is expected to meet Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on the sidelines of the summit. Thailand, which also experienced fatalities from the quake, has called on the attending nations to issue a joint statement addressing the disaster.
The junta’s controversial attendance comes amid widespread international condemnation of its actions since the 2021 coup. The country has been gripped by civil war, with ethnic militias and armed resistance groups battling junta forces. The conflict has decimated the economy and pushed millions into poverty.
Humanitarian Pleas Grow Louder
As the earthquake compounds Myanmar’s already dire humanitarian crisis, international agencies are urging the junta to fully open access for aid workers and supplies. The United Nations has called for a rapid increase in relief efforts before the looming monsoon season further complicates rescue and recovery.
“We are seeing communities devastated by both conflict and disaster,” a UN spokesperson said. “Every hour of delay costs lives.”
One harrowing scene emerged from Sagaing, where 170 people were crushed while praying in a mosque that collapsed. Survivors and rescuers across regions like Mandalay report little to no official support, relying instead on local volunteers and international donations.
A Regional Call to Action
The summit in Bangkok may offer a chance to coordinate a more unified regional response to the crisis. As Southeast Asia confronts shared threats from natural disasters and political instability, leaders face a pivotal moment to set aside politics and prioritize saving lives.
Whether Min Aung Hlaing’s rare diplomatic appearance will translate into meaningful cooperation remains uncertain—but for the people of Myanmar, time is running out.
