Myanmar grants access to Suu Kyi ahead of Thailand visit

ICRC gains first known private visit with detained former leader in years

Myanmar's detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi meets Arnaude de Baecque, Myanmar's resident representative and head of delegation for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, on Aug. 3, 2026.  © Myanmar Government spokesperson/Reuters

BANGKOK -- A few days ahead of Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing's visit to Thailand, his isolated regime has made its most noticeable diplomatic concession since the former army chief seized power in February 2021, allowing access to the country's twice-elected democratic leader, former Senior Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi.