Myanmar Leader's Attendance at Bangkok Summit Amidst Rising Quake Casualties

Min Aung Hlaing visits Bangkok as the aftermath of a deadly earthquake in Myanmar leads to more than 3,000 fatalities and rising issues with relief efforts, amidst ongoing conflict.

Myanmar's military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, is attending a regional summit in Thailand while the nation grapples with the devastating fallout from a significant earthquake that resulted in the deaths of over 3,000 individuals and left thousands more in need of aid. The earthquake, which struck central Myanmar last Friday, has been described by the junta as having caused injuries to 4,715 people and with hundreds still reported missing. Analysts predict that the casualty figure may continue to climb as unaccessed regions come under assessment.

Hlaing arrived in Bangkok on Thursday for the summit occurring on the eve of discussions among leaders from countries bordering the Bay of Bengal, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. His presence is noteworthy as leaders subject to sanctions are typically excluded from such gatherings. Host nation Thailand reported that the quake had also impacted them, with 21 recorded casualties.

Efforts to assist quake survivors have been troubled by the ongoing civil strife within Myanmar, as the military continues to engage in airstrikes against rebel enclaves, including those hard hit by the quake. Recently, the junta announced a temporary ceasefire to bolster aid distribution after initially dismissing proposals put forth by various armed ethnic groups. The situation escalated earlier this week when military forces opened fire at a Chinese Red Cross convoy carrying essential supplies, claiming the convoy ignored their signals to halt.

As Myanmar continues to face an ongoing civil war stemming from a military takeover in 2021, the country finds itself more vulnerable than ever to humanitarian disaster. Aid organizations are calling on the junta to eliminate access restrictions to streamline relief efforts. The United Nations has also called for enhanced global support before the impending monsoon season, which could further exacerbate the crisis.