![[TB]_Myanmar's junta chief turned President Min Aung Hlaing_REUTERS](https://resizer-vortals.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-auto,h-auto,q-80,f-webp/https://media.astroawani.com/awani/media/uploads/image/2026-08/%5BTB%5D_Myanmar%27s%20junta%20chief%20turned%20President%20Min%20Aung%20Hlaing_REUTERS.jpg?VersionId=G.BBc.vNhZNKFZz5liBoj1k_DWAz_Ean)
BANGKOK: Myanmar's junta chief turned president Min Aung Hlaing said on Thursday (August 6) that the country was "on the path of democracy" and that his new government was prioritising stability, peace and national reconciliation during an official visit to Thailand.
Speaking at a meeting with Thai officials, Min Aung Hlaing also pledged to improve ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as Bangkok seeks to re-engage its war-torn neighbour with the regional bloc.
The retired general, who first came to power in a 2021 coup, is the subject of a raft of Western sanctions and has sought international legitimacy since becoming Myanmar's president in April, which followed an election dominated by an army-backed party in the absence of any viable opposition.
Thailand is the fourth country Min Aung Hlaing has visited as president after China, India and Laos in a quest for recognition as the 11-member ASEAN, which did not endorse Myanmar's election, stands firm behind a faltering peace initiative that Naypyitaw has largely ignored.
Min Aung Hlaing has stressed his top priority as president is ending a civil war between the military he once led and various rebel groups, which has killed an estimated 100,000 people.
However, Myanmar's military has since sharply escalated attacks on civilians, including an intensified aerial bombing campaign, a conflict monitor said last week.
