Myanmar's military leader Min Aung Hlaing arrived in Phnom Penh for a two-day visit to repair ties with ASEAN after years of post-coup isolation. The trip, his fourth to an ASEAN country since being sworn in as president in April, seeks to restore regional legitimacy but has prompted criticism from exile groups and rights organizations. Critics say the visit risks weakening ASEAN's collective pressure; Fortify Rights urged Cambodia to cancel the trip and consider arrest if an ICC warrant is issued.
Myanmar's Junta Chief Visits Cambodia to Rebuild ASEAN Ties, Draws Sharp Criticism
In this photo released by Myanmar President Office, Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing, right, shakes hands with Vice President Nyo Saw upon his departure to Cambodia, at the Naypyitaw international airport Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, in Naypyitaw, Myanmar. (Myanmar President Office via AP)(Myanmar President Office via AP)
The leader of Myanmar's military-backed government, Min Aung Hlaing, arrived in Phnom Penh on Friday for a two-day visit aimed at repairing relations with fellow members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The trip — his fourth to an ASEAN capital since being sworn in as president in April — is part of a broader push to restore regional standing after years of diplomatic isolation following the 2021 military takeover.
Why the Visit Matters
Min Aung Hlaing's outreach seeks to normalize ties that frayed after the military ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's government in February 2021. He has traveled widely in recent months — including visits to India, China, Laos, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Russia and Vietnam — to attract investment and rebuild relationships.
In this photo released by Myanmar President Office, Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing, right, shakes hands with Lower House Speaker Khin Yi, third left, upon his departure to Cambodia, at the Naypyitaw international airport Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, in Naypyitaw, Myanmar. (Myanmar President Office via AP)(Myanmar President Office via AP)
Myanmar was excluded from top-level ASEAN meetings for failing to implement the bloc's five-point peace plan, which called for an end to violence, inclusive dialogue among all parties, mediation by an ASEAN-appointed envoy, humanitarian assistance and unfettered access for the envoy to engage relevant actors.
Meetings and Local Reaction
State-run MRTV reported that Min Aung Hlaing landed at Techo International Airport on Friday morning. During his two-day stay he is expected to meet senior Cambodian officials, including Senate President Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet.
In this photo released by Myanmar President Office, Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing, waves upon his departure to Cambodia, at the Naypyitaw international airport Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, in Naypyitaw, Myanmar. (Myanmar President Office via AP)(Myanmar President Office via AP)
Cambodia previously played a prominent role in ASEAN diplomacy on Myanmar — notably in 2022 when then-Prime Minister Hun Sen, acting as ASEAN chair, visited Naypyitaw to revive peace talks and became the first foreign leader to visit Myanmar after the takeover.
“Min Aung Hlaing cannot be allowed to use Phnom Penh as a diplomatic back door into ASEAN,” Mu Sochua, president of the Khmer Movement for Democracy, said in a statement.
Human rights group Fortify Rights urged Cambodia to cancel the visit rather than grant political legitimacy. The organization also called on Cambodian authorities to arrest Min Aung Hlaing and surrender him to the International Criminal Court if an arrest warrant is issued — noting the ICC prosecutor requested a warrant in 2024 alleging crimes against humanity against Rohingya Muslims in western Myanmar.
What to Watch
Observers will be watching whether Cambodia's engagement signals a shift in ASEAN's collective approach to Myanmar — potentially undermining diplomatic pressure — or advances a pragmatic path toward dialogue and humanitarian access. International reaction and any concrete outcomes from the meetings in Phnom Penh will influence how other ASEAN members respond.
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