Parnpree to attend swearing-in of Myanmar’s new president

Thailand will dispatch former foreign minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara as an envoy to attend the inauguration of Myanmar’s newly installed government, according to an informed source.

Parnpree’s participation signals cautious diplomatic engagement with the military-backed administration. Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has said that Thailand wants to serve as a bridge between ASEAN and Myanmar.

Parnpree will represent Thailand at the ceremony scheduled on March 10.

Parnpree, who now chairs the ministry’s foreign policy advisory group, will join representatives from ASEAN members and regional dialogue partners.

The new government was formed following a contentious transition from direct military rule to a quasi-civilian framework. The process concluded last week when the military-dominated parliament elected Senior General Min Aung Hlaing as president.

To assume the civilian post, Min Aung Hlaing officially stepped down as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, handing military control to his top deputy.

The formation follows general elections held from December to January that were widely criticized by Western nations and human rights groups.

Voting was excluded in nearly a quarter of the country’s townships due to ongoing civil conflict, and most major opposition parties were barred from the ballot.

Despite the domestic turmoil, Thailand has emphasized the need for continued dialogue to manage border security and humanitarian concerns.

The inauguration marks the first formal international gathering in Naypyidaw since the military began its phased handover of power.