The Thai government has come under criticism for inviting a globally denounced war criminal, Myanmar military junta leader Min Aung Hlaing, to attend the 6^th Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) summit in Bangkok.

On Thursday (3 April), Nikorndej Balankura, Director-General of the Department of Information in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed  that Thailand invited the leaders of all seven BIMSTEC member states to attend, received confirmation that Min would participate.

Nikorndej explained that Thailand was simply fulfilling a responsibility as summit host, adding that the aim of the organisation was to enhance regional cooperation and the absence of any one member would preclude the possibility of any joint agreement.

Civil groups and NGOs condemn the move

After Min arrived in Thailand on Thursday evening, civil groups and NGOs including the Milk Tea Alliance Thailand, Spirit in Education Movement (SEM), and ETO Watch Coalition, released a statement condemning the government’s decision.

According to Wichai Chantavaro from SEM, some 319 civil groups in Thailand and Myanmar called on the Thai government to exclude Min from the summit on 1 April. He expressed disappointment that the government ignored the request.

Theerachai Sarncharoenkitthavorn from the ETO Watch Coalition asked that Thailand not discuss any further investment and trade deals with Min, and accused the government of indirectly supported the Myanmar military through natural gas purchases. According to Theerachai, this amounted to encouraging the Myanmar military to kill the country’s people as 70-80% of the money they received was reportedly spent on weapons and military operations against civilians.

Theerachai noted that since the earthquake on 28 March, the Myanmar military has conducted over 30 airstrikes, resulting in the deaths of 50 people.

“Those of us in civil society, therefore, condemned the Thai government, led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and her Cabinet, as well as the governments of the BIMSTEC member states for meeting with Min. We urge them to promote legitimate state practices, rule of law, international law, human rights, and most importantly humanitarian principles.”

The statement demanded that member state governments refrain from entering into negotiations or agreements with the Myanmar military.

The activist group Milk Tea Alliance Thailand has asked people to wear black in protest until Min Aung Hliang leave the country. Other activist groups are also organising a protest at 18.30 this evening (4 April) in front of the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre.