But one man loomed large over the general election held in Myanmar in December and January: junta ​chief Min Aung Hlaing. Since the coup, Min Aung Hlaing has only had ​limited diplomatic contact with many of Myanmar's regional neighbours and has rarely spoken to non-state-controlled media. At the same time, Min Aung Hlaing has prioritised keeping important positions for loyalists, including some experienced at dealing with foreign leaders, two of the people said. One of them added that the diplomat has been coaching Min Aung Hlaing as ​he emerges from diplomatic isolation. "Min Aung Hlaing quickly closed the ⁠door on that," the person said.

Source: Bangkok Post April 03, 2026 08:57 UTC