Myanmar Junta Leader Attends Regional Summit as Earthquake Toll Surpasses 3,000

Myanmar’s military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, is set to attend a regional summit in Bangkok on Thursday as the country grapples with the devastating aftermath of a 7.7-magnitude earthquake that has claimed over 3,000 lives.

The summit, organized by BIMSTEC—a coalition of seven Bay of Bengal nations—will address the disaster’s impact and response efforts. Since the earthquake struck, international aid and rescue teams have been dispatched to Myanmar, but damaged infrastructure, communication breakdowns, and ongoing conflict have hindered relief operations. The country has been in turmoil since 2021, following the military’s takeover from Aung San Suu Kyi’s civilian government.

In the wake of the disaster, both the military junta and opposition forces have temporarily halted hostilities to facilitate aid distribution. In Sagaing, near the earthquake’s epicenter, AFP journalists witnessed long lines of people waiting for emergency supplies, while roads were crowded with aid convoys organized by civilian volunteers. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that one in three houses in Sagaing had collapsed, leaving many without shelter or basic necessities.

Residents have voiced frustration over the slow response. Aye Thikar, a local resident, said they lacked fuel to operate water pumps and were unsure when electricity would be restored. Many survivors are still sleeping outdoors, relying on donations from passersby.

The Bangkok summit marks a rare diplomatic opportunity for Myanmar’s junta, which has largely been isolated from international events. Thailand, the host nation, has proposed a joint statement addressing the earthquake’s impact. Meanwhile, Myanmar’s government confirmed on Thursday that 3,085 people had died, 341 remained missing, and over 4,700 were injured. Aid workers from 17 countries have arrived, bringing nearly 1,000 tons of relief supplies.

The earthquake’s effects were also felt in Bangkok, where a 30-story building under construction collapsed, killing 22 people and leaving over 70 missing. Rescue efforts continue, though hopes of finding survivors are dwindling. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt acknowledged the slim chances of survival, stating, "We hope for a miracle, but expectations must remain realistic."