BANGKOK (AP) – Leaders from seven nations in the Bay of Bengal region convened in Bangkok on April 4, 2025, to discuss enhancing trade and transport cooperation, culminating in a summit that highlighted their commitment to disaster relief efforts following a devastating earthquake that recently claimed over 3,000 lives in Myanmar and Thailand. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who chaired the meeting, conveyed a joint statement from the leaders expressing "condolences, solidarity, and commitment to supporting the affected countries."
The summit was marked by controversy regarding the participation of Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, head of Myanmar's military government, whose attendance was contentious due to the international backlash following his 2021 coup and subsequent crackdown on dissent. This was Min Aung Hlaing's first trip outside Myanmar since attending a regional meeting in Indonesia in 2021, having been previously isolated internationally. His exclusion from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) further emphasized the scrutiny surrounding his presence at BIMSTEC.
During the meeting, there were discussions on various crucial topics including natural disaster relief, border security, illegal trade, drug smuggling, and online scams. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Nikorndej Balankura, confirmed a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Shinawatra and Min Aung Hlaing focused on these pressing issues. Other notable leaders at the summit included Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Muhammad Yunus, chief adviser to the Bangladeshi government.
The BIMSTEC, or Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, comprises Thailand, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. The summit had initially been postponed due to political upheaval in Thailand, with the chairmanship now transferred to Bangladesh following a court order that removed former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from office.
Throughout the summit, leaders participated in a minute of silence to honor the victims of the recent earthquake, reflecting a collective acknowledgment of the humanitarian crisis at hand. The joint efforts to bolster cooperation in trade and disaster response are seen as pivotal in strengthening regional ties amidst ongoing challenges.
Discussions also hinted at future collaborations aimed at addressing issues that impact the security and economic stability of the member states. While the meeting’s outcomes showcased a willingness to engage and support each other in times of crisis, the presence of Myanmar’s military leader underscored the complexities and geopolitical tensions influencing the region.
The developments from the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok will likely shape the future of regional policies and cooperative initiatives, as leaders strive to balance diplomatic relations with pressing humanitarian concerns in the Bay of Bengal area.
