Islamabad, Apr 3, 2025: Min Aung Hlaing, leader of Myanmar’s military junta, is set to attend a regional summit in Bangkok on Thursday, April 3, amid the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that has claimed over 3,000 lives in his country.
The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) summit, scheduled from April 2 to 4, brings together leaders from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Min Aung Hlaing’s participation is notable, given Myanmar’s recent political isolation following the 2021 military coup.
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Myanmar Earthquake Death Toll 2886, Buildings Still Falling
The earthquake, which struck near Mandalay on March 28, has left 3,085 dead, 4,715 injured, and 341 missing, according to the junta. The disaster has caused widespread destruction, particularly in Sagaing, where one-third of houses have collapsed. Ongoing civil conflict has complicated relief efforts, with reports of clashes persisting even after the earthquake.
In response, Min Aung Hlaing has declared a temporary ceasefire until April 22 to facilitate aid distribution. International rescue teams have arrived from 17 countries, delivering nearly 1,000 tonnes of supplies. However, challenges persist due to damaged infrastructure and communication barriers.
At the BIMSTEC summit, Thailand has proposed issuing a joint statement addressing the earthquake’s impact. Min Aung Hlaing’s attendance underscores Myanmar’s diplomatic engagement despite ongoing internal challenges.
