Yesterday (April 17), Thailand former Prime Minister and ASEAN chair’s advisor, Thaksin Shinawatra, hosted the meeting between Malaysian PM, Anwar Ibrahim, and Myanmar junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing, to discuss the need of humanitarian aid in Myanmar following a devastating earthquake.
The country has been through a difficult time since 2021 when the junta leader took control over the government, leading to the ongoing civil war. A powerful earthquake in late March 2025 then claimed the life of more than 3,600 Myanmar people and damaged buildings and infrastructure.
Ibrahim, who is also the chairman of ASEAN bloc, spent more than one hour with Min Aung Hlaing to discuss the urgent need of assistance for Myanmar people, the construction of field hospitals, and the pathway for recovery, according to the Malaysian PM’s facebook post.
He also seeks an extension of a ceasefire between the Myanmar military and the opposition groups. Although both sides imposed the pause following the quake, there are several reports of junta continuing attacks, making this extension seemingly more difficult.
Still, the release of 4,800 detainees last night has shown a positive sign. Today (April 18), Ibrahim will meet with representatives from the National Unity Government (NUG), Myanmar’s shadow government in exile, to push for peace and stability. He also called on all to push for negotiation for the future and the livelihood of Myanmar people.
