Myanmar's supreme commander has lent his support to the Thai military takeover, saying it is the army's duty to safeguard national security.
Supreme Commander Gen Tanasak Patimapragorn, left, gets a hug from his Myanmar counterpart Gen Min Aung Hlaing during the latter’s courtesy call at the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters yesterday.
Gen Min Aung Hlaing made the comments during a courtesy call on Supreme Commander Gen Tanasak Patimapragorn at the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters yesterday.
"I am confident that what the Thai military is doing now is the most suitable course of action because the armed forces have an important role in maintaining security for the country and taking care of people's safety," he said.
He said Myanmar had experienced a similar situation in 1988, although the circumstances then were worse than they were in Thailand now.
The general was referring to the nationwide pro-democracy uprising in Myanmar that was started by students in Yangon but spread to all sectors of society.
The uprising ended on Sept 18, 1988 after a bloody military coup, which reportedly killed thousands of people.
"After looking at the roadmap of the National Council for Peace and Order, we are confident it will be achieved," Gen Min Aung said.
He also thanked Thai authorities for their academics' support of Myanmar who had helped it to develop under the sufficiency economy principle.
The knowledge was successfully adopted for the Myanmar people's benefit, he said.
Gen Tanasak confirmed that strong ties remain between Thailand and Myanmar at both armed forces and governmental levels.
He said he will look after Myanmar workers in Thailand and ensure they are treated within the law and that their human rights are respected.
Both military leaders also agreed to tackle border problems, support the exchange of armed forces personnel for military studies and enable Myanmar army personnel to join the annual Cobra Gold military exercise, which will take place between July 25 and Aug 8.
The two men also agreed to jointly tackle security problems, bolster their economies and work together in the lead-up to the formation of the Asean Community next year.
Before the call on Gen Tanasak, Gen Min Aung paid visits to Privy Council president Gen Prem Tinsulanonda and NCPO chief Prayuth Chan-ocha.
He also reviewed the armed forces' honour guard and paid homage to Buddha images at the armed forces headquarters.
The visit by Myanmar's military top brass was the second by the head of a foreign military since the May 22 coup was staged.
Malaysia’s Supreme Commander Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Zulkifeli bin Mohd Zin visited Thailand to meet with military leaders in Bangkok early last month.
Gen Tanasak early this week also wrapped up a visit to India, where he met Indian Supreme Commander Bikram Singh to discuss the annual Cobra Gold military exercise, in which India is expected to participate.
He also met Finance Minister and Defence Minister Shri Arun Jaitley.