Myanmar president Thein Sein arrived in Bangkok today on his first official visit since taking office, nearly two months after abruptly canceling plans to travel to the Kingdom for the World Economic Forum East Asia held from May 30 to June 1.
Many speculated that the cancelation was due to Aung San Suu Kyi’s decision to attend, which saw the democracy icon welcomed by thousands of revelers in Thailand for her first trip abroad in 24 years.
Thein Sein, leader of Burma’s (Myanmar) nominally civilian government, will meet with Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to discuss development and infrastructure investment in Myanmar, during his three-day stay in the Kingdom, AFP reported.
Thailand, along with China and other regional countries have had long-standing economic ties with Burma as it was largely isolated under military rule.
However, since the new government has come to power, relations with Western nations have thawed, most recently indicated by the United States government’s decision to allow U.S. companies to invest in the country – including in oil and gas companies which are known to have close ties to the military.
The president will also meet representatives of Thai industry and agriculture, including the heads of Petroleum Authority Thailand (PTT) and Siam Cement, AFP reported.
