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PoliticsMyanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing makes first ASEAN visit as civilian president
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Myanmar's military chief-turned-President Min Aung Hlaing arrived in Laos on July 3, 2026, for his first state visit to an ASEAN country since assuming the civilian presidency in April. The visit marks a push for international legitimacy after the 2021 coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government. Analysts note that ASEAN consensus is fraying over how to treat Myanmar's new administration, with some member states open to re-engagement following apparent concessions, such as moving Suu Kyi from prison to house arrest, while others remain focused on the coup leader still being in charge. This is Min Aung Hlaing's third foreign trip as president, following visits to India and China.
Source report
"Consensus in ASEAN is fraying over how to treat Myanmar's new administration," analysts say
Published — July 03, 2026 01:00 pm IST — Yangon, Myanmar
AFP
Myanmar coup chief turned President Min Aung Hlaing landed in Laos on Friday (July 3, 2026), officials said, in his first state visit to an ASEAN country since claiming the post of civilian leader.
Mr. Min Aung Hlaing plunged Myanmar into civil war in 2021 when he commanded a military coup that ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, detaining her and ending a decade-long experiment with democracy.
He ruled directly as military chief for five years before becoming Civilian President in April after staging elections blocked from rebel territory, excluding Suu Kyi's party and jailing dissidents.
His new administration is making a push for international legitimacy, analysts say, including in the 11-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) bloc which has largely frozen Myanmar out since the coup.
Mr. Min Aung Hlaing landed in neighbouring Laos on Friday morning accompanied by his wife Kyu Kyu Hla, according to images shared by his presidential information team. Laos local media said the state visit will last three days.
In a statement earlier this week, Mr. Min Aung Hlaing's office said he would meet Laos' President Thongloun Sisoulith and Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.
"The President will engage in a cordial and open exchange of views to further the consolidation of existing friendly relations," the statement said.
The trip is Mr. Min Aung Hlaing's third since taking over as Civilian President. Last month he was feted with visits to India and China.
"Consensus in ASEAN is fraying over how to treat Myanmar's new administration," analysts say.
Some nations are seen as open to restarting engagement, seizing on apparent concessions by the new administration — including Mr. Min Aung Hlaing's recent personal command that 81-year-old Suu Kyi be moved from prison to house arrest.
Analysts say other nations remain focused on the fact that the leader of the 2021 coup still remains in charge.
Related links:
- Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing elected President by pro-military parliament
- Myanmar Parliament convenes as Army prepares for new era of rule
- Myanmar denies ASEAN request for Suu Kyi meeting
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Myanmar Junta Chief Min Aung Hlaing's ASEAN Visits Deepen Regional Divisions