The chief of the Royal Thai Air Force met with Myanmar’s military ruler Min Aung Hlaing after the end of the 20th ASEAN Air Chiefs Conference chaired by the Myanmar military.

On 18 September 2023, a picture of ACM Alongkorn Vannarot, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force, was posted on the website of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of Myanmar’s Defence Services on 15 September. He met with General Min Aung Hlaing, the Myanmar military chief and the head of Myanmar’s military government.

MG Online reported that Alongkorn and Min Aung Hlaing discussed several topics, including strengthening relationships between the Thai and Myanmar military, cooperation between the two countries’ air forces, a High-Level Officers Committee, and the Thai-Myanmar Regional Border Committee.

The visit took place after Alongkorn had attended the 20th ASEAN Air Chiefs Conference hosted by Myanmar’s Air Force Chief General Htun Aung between 12-15 September 2023. The conference was held under the theme “ASEAN Air Forces’ Cooperation for Sustainable Environment.”

(two people in the middle of the picture) 

ACM Alongkorn Vannarot and General Min Aung Hlaing

In addition to Thailand, ASEAN member countries Brunei, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, participated in the conference. The Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia chose not to attend.