BANGKOK — Amnesty International Thailand has called on the Thai government to prioritize human rights during the official visit of Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar’s military leader, former Commander-in-Chief and leader of the 2021 coup d’état, who was elected president this past April. Min Aung Hlaing stands accused of responsibility for grave human rights violations and crimes under international law. Amnesty also urged the Thai government not to allow bilateral cooperation to proceed at the expense of disregarding the ongoing human rights abuses in Myanmar.
The visit comes at the invitation of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and takes place from August 6 to 7, 2026. The agenda includes bilateral talks with the Prime Minister, meetings with the legislature, and participation in the Thailand – Myanmar Business Forum 2026, a platform for trade and investment discussions between the private sectors of both nations. While foreign relations fall under the authority of the Thai government, hosting a leader accused of crimes under international law raises critical questions regarding Thailand’s role in promoting and protecting human rights, as well as its responsibilities as an ASEAN member and part of the international community.
Amnesty International Thailand emphasized that holding political office should not shield any individual from accountability for crimes under international law. An application for an arrest warrant against Min Aung Hlaing for crimes against humanity stemming from the deportation and persecution of the Rohingya is currently under consideration by the International Criminal Court (ICC). If the warrant is issued, ICC state parties are obligated to execute the warrant should he enter their jurisdiction.
Sataphat Silsawang, Senior Policy Advocacy Officer at Amnesty International Thailand, stated that the human rights situation in Myanmar continues to deteriorate. Since the 2021 coup, the Myanmar military has persistently launched indiscriminate attacks against civilians, conducted airstrikes, carried out arbitrary arrests and detentions, tortured detainees, suppressed dissent, and systematically restricted freedom of expression. These actions have been consistently documented and verified by the United Nations, international human rights mechanisms, and Amnesty International.
According to data documented by Amnesty International since the coup on 1 February 2021, at least 2,200 people have died while in military custody; at least 30,000 people have been arrested or charged; four people have been executed on charges of assisting insurgent groups fighting the Myanmar military; at least 3.6 million people have been internally displaced; and at least 400 people have been charged under “election protection” laws.
Min Aung Hlaing’s visit to Thailand—given the credible accusations against him regarding grave human rights violations and international crimes—should not be treated as a routine diplomatic visit. The Thai government should use this opportunity to reaffirm the importance of protecting human rights, safeguarding civilians, and ensuring that those accused of grave crimes are brought to justice.
“No political title should serve as a shield against accountability under international law. Thailand must uphold the rule of law and its human rights obligations, while calling on the Myanmar military to cease attacks on civilians, release arbitrary detainees, and establish conditions conducive to full respect for the human rights of the people of Myanmar.”
“International relations must not move forward at the cost of turning a blind eye to human rights abuses. Thailand should explicitly affirm that individuals accused of committing crimes under international law must be subjected to scrutiny and accountability.”
Amnesty International’s latest research indicates that in 2025, more than 109,000 metric tons of aviation fuel were delivered to Myanmar — a 69 percent increase and the highest level since the coup. The Thai government must prevent such fuel from being exported or transited through Thailand for use in attacks against civilians and ensure that companies operating in Thailand do not participate in supply chains that enable the Myanmar military to commit human rights violations.
“Min Aung Hlaing’s visit to Thailand must not be reduced to discussions on economics, trade, or bilateral cooperation. The Thai government must seize this opportunity to elevate human rights as a paramount agenda item.”
Background
Min Aung Hlaing led the February 2021 coup d’état, which ousted the democratically elected government and initiated widespread crackdowns on civilians. Since then, the Myanmar military has been accused of arbitrary arrests, torture, unlawful air strikes, and grave human rights violations against civilians nationwide.
Amnesty International’s the State of the World’s Human Rights report 2025/26 notes that the Myanmar military continues to escalate airstrikes on civilian areas, while systematic restrictions on freedom of expression, arbitrary detentions, torture, and the denial of medical care to detainees remain widespread.
Amnesty International urges the Thai government to use this visit to demonstrate its commitment to human rights principles and international law, emphasizing that those accused of crimes under international law must face accountability without exception.
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