Myanmar’s junta chief Min Aung Hlaing is expected in Thailand on Thursday, making his first trip there since assuming the presidency as he seeks a return to the diplomatic fold for his pariah state. And Min Aung Hlaing has been on a diplomatic drive since swapping his military uniform for civilian dress, visiting India, key ally China, and ASEAN member Laos in turn. Independent Myanmar analyst David Mathieson told AFP that Myanmar’s campaign for re- entry into ASEAN was a matter of “pure status” for Min Aung Hlaing. Fighting between Myanmar’s military and myriad rebel factions has spilled over the long border with Thailand, which hosts millions of refugees from Myanmar. Campaign group Justice For Myanmar slammed Thailand for its diplomatic overtures, saying in a statement: “Min Aung Hlaing must be held accountable for his crimes, not awarded false legitimacy.”