Myanmar Junta Leader to Attend Regional Summit Amid Devastating Earthquake Aftermath

As Myanmar grapples with the tragedy of a devastating earthquake, its leader is set to join a crucial regional summit in Thailand while relief challenges persist.

Myanmar's military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, is preparing to attend a significant summit in Thailand as the nation struggles to cope with the aftermath of a catastrophic earthquake that has claimed over 3,000 lives. The earthquake, which struck central Myanmar last Friday, has so far resulted in 3,085 deaths and injured another 4,715, according to the military junta. The search for hundreds still missing is ongoing, and officials warn that the figures may continue to increase.

Hlaing's attendance at the summit marks a rare occurrence, given the sanctions imposed on him and his regime typically barring sanctioned leaders from international forums. He is scheduled to arrive in Bangkok on Thursday ahead of the gathering, which will include leaders from seven nations along the Bay of Bengal, including host country Thailand. The earthquake also impacted Thailand, where 21 casualties were reported, and the Thai government has suggested that participating leaders issue a collective message regarding the recent disaster.

In response to the tragedy, countries worldwide have mobilized aid and dispatch rescue teams to Myanmar. However, the ongoing civil conflict and the country's fragile infrastructure have hindered these humanitarian efforts. To facilitate relief operations, the junta declared a temporary ceasefire on Wednesday, though earlier it had turned down ceasefire proposals from ethnic resistance groups. This military response included recent violent incidents, such as troops opening fire on a Chinese Red Cross convoy delivering relief supplies, claiming the convoy did not heed their signals.

Since the military takeover in 2021, Myanmar has been embroiled in intense civil conflict, leading to heightened violence, economic destabilization, and a humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the earthquake. Humanitarian organizations are urging the junta to remove barriers hindering aid distribution, while the United Nations calls on the international community to enhance support ahead of the approaching monsoon season.