Thai MP thrown out of parliament after shouting “For peace! For humanity!” at Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing as his controversial Bangkok visit sparked protests, international criticism and renewed scrutiny of Thailand’s engagement with the junta.
Thailand’s decision to roll out full state honours for Myanmar President General Min Aung Hlaing marched into fresh controversy on Friday when a People’s Party MP was removed from parliament after shouting, “For peace! For humanity!” as the visiting leader arrived. The dramatic interruption capped a two-day visit marked by diplomatic agreements, trade talks and high-level meetings, but also fierce protests, international legal scrutiny and mounting criticism that Bangkok’s policy of re-engagement risks legitimising one of the world’s most isolated and reviled military leaders while exposing deep political divisions inside Thailand over how to deal with its troubled neighbour in the midst of civil war.
A People’s Party MP was removed from Thailand’s parliament on Friday after shouting repeated calls for peace and humanity during an official welcoming ceremony for Myanmar President General Min Aung Hlaing.
The brief protest interrupted one of the most politically sensitive events of the Myanmar leader’s two-day visit before parliamentary police escorted the lawmaker from the reception area.
The incident unfolded inside Parliament’s Special Reception Room 204, where Senate President Mongkol Surasajja was due to receive Min Aung Hlaing during his official visit to Thailand as a guest of the government.
MP removed after shouting peace calls as Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing arrives for parliament ceremony
Earlier, at about 10.30 am, Bangkok MP Anusorn Thammajai arrived outside the reception room to observe proceedings. He also prepared to submit a letter to the Myanmar leader through the Senate President. The letter urged urgent action on cross-border issues affecting both countries. It also supported the restoration of democracy in Myanmar.
However, the atmosphere shifted as the official delegation approached. At about 10.50 am, Min Aung Hlaing entered the reception area with senior members of his delegation. At that moment, Anusorn repeatedly shouted, “For peace! For humanity!”
His calls echoed across the reception hall as the welcoming ceremony was about to begin. Organisers immediately turned towards the disturbance. Security personnel also moved quickly to assess the situation.
In response, parliamentary police intervened within seconds. Officers took control of the scene before escorting Anusorn from the reception area. The intervention lasted only moments. Afterwards, the welcoming ceremony proceeded as scheduled. No violence was reported. Equally, there was no public reaction from the visiting delegation.
Min Aung Hlaing’s visit involved honours, trade talks and agreements despite regional scepticism
The protest immediately highlighted the controversy surrounding Min Aung Hlaing’s visit. His two-day programme in Bangkok became one of Southeast Asia’s most closely watched diplomatic events this year.
Notably, it marked his first official bilateral visit to Thailand since assuming Myanmar’s presidency in April following the country’s military-managed election.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul formally welcomed Min Aung Hlaing at Government House on Thursday morning with full official honours. Both leaders inspected a ceremonial guard before beginning bilateral talks.
As part of those discussions, Thailand and Myanmar signed memorandums of understanding covering migrant labour, management of the Kok and Sai rivers, environmental cooperation and space technology. They also discussed expanding trade, investment and transport links between the neighbouring countries.
Later, Min Aung Hlaing travelled to Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. There, he attended the Thailand-Myanmar Business Forum alongside senior ministers and business leaders.
The event promoted closer economic cooperation and stronger commercial links. By Friday afternoon, the Myanmar leader had completed his official engagements before departing Thailand.
Rights groups, protesters and legal cases intensify controversy surrounding Myanmar’s dictator
Meanwhile, opposition to the visit continued throughout the programme. Human rights organisations criticised the invitation. Myanmar democracy activists also staged protests. Opposition politicians questioned the government’s decision to receive the military leader with full state honours.
Separately, demonstrators gathered outside Government House during Thursday’s official reception. They argued the visit granted international legitimacy to Myanmar’s military leadership despite the country’s continuing conflict and humanitarian crisis.
International legal scrutiny has also continued to follow Min Aung Hlaing. Several countries have imposed sanctions on him. An Argentine court has also issued an arrest warrant under the principle of universal jurisdiction. On another front, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court has requested an arrest warrant over alleged crimes against humanity.
Despite those developments, the Thai government defended the visit. Prime Minister Anutin described the policy as one of “calibrated re-engagement” with Myanmar.
According to Bangkok, direct dialogue remains necessary to address organised crime, migration, environmental problems, trade and regional security. The government also argues that continued engagement supports ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus while advancing practical cooperation.
Thai government defends Myanmar engagement despite criticism over legitimacy and ongoing civil war
Earlier this week, Mr Anutin outlined that approach during an address at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta.
Two days later, he welcomed Min Aung Hlaing to Bangkok despite sustained criticism from activists and civil society groups. In turn, ministers argued that many cross-border problems cannot be resolved without direct engagement between Bangkok and Naypyidaw.
As reported by the Thai Examiner on August 6, critics argued the diplomatic outreach risked conferring international legitimacy on a government whose authority remains contested. They also noted the Myanmar military controls only part of the country after years of armed conflict.
Supporters, however, presented a different assessment. They argued practical engagement reflects geographical realities rather than political endorsement. Thailand faces persistent cross-border challenges requiring direct cooperation with Naypyidaw.
Isolated Myanmar military leader visits Bangkok against a storm of opposition from democracy groups
Those include organised crime, illegal migration, refugee movements, pollution affecting the Kok and Sai rivers and growing trade. Accordingly, they maintained that sustained dialogue remains essential despite international criticism.
Friday’s parliamentary protest therefore became the most visible domestic challenge to Min Aung Hlaing’s visit. Although it lasted only moments, it unfolded before Thailand’s parliamentary leadership and the visiting delegation.
As a result, it demanded an immediate security response. The removal of Anusorn also illustrated the sharp political divisions surrounding Thailand’s evolving Myanmar policy and the government’s decision to receive the visiting leader with full official honours.
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