FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: AUGUST 4, 2026
The Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK (BROUK) has petitioned the Argentinian judiciary to seek the extradition of Min Aung Hlaing from Thailand during his upcoming visit to the country.
BROUK initiated the Argentina universal jurisdiction case in 2019. In February 2025, international arrest warrants were issued against Min Aung Hlaing and other senior Burmese military officials on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity.
Burmese military leader Min Aung Hlaing is expected to visit Thailand later this week, on 6-7 August, on the invitation of the Government of Thailand. BROUK has written to the Argentinian judiciary to urge it to coordinate with Thai authorities to ensure the arrest and extradition of Min Aung Hlaing.
“Min Aung Hlaing is not only one of the chief architects of the genocide against the Rohingya, but has also led the violent repression of the people of Burma for years. He belongs in a jail cell, not posing for photo ops with government officials in Thailand,” said Tun Khin, President of BROUK.
“We urge the Thai and Argentinian authorities to cooperate to ensure the arrest and extradition of Min Aung Hlaing to Argentina, where he should stand trial for genocide and crimes against humanity. This is an opportunity to show that there is nowhere to hide for those who commit the worst crimes known to humanity.”
Min Aung Hlaing was Commander-in-Chief of the Burmese military from 2011 until earlier this year, when he declared himself ‘president’ following a fraudulent election in late 2025. The Burmese military and its proxies have committed a decades-long genocide against the Rohingya, including through violent campaigns that killed thousands and forced hundreds of thousands to flee Rakhine State in 2016 and 2017.
On 1 February 2021, the Burmese military seized power in a military coup. Since then, it has killed thousands of people opposing its rule and arrested tens of thousands.
This week’s visit follows a series of recent high-level engagements between Thai authorities and the Burmese military, including the visit of Thailand’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, to Naypyitaw in April 2026.
BROUK has now written to the Argentinian judiciary, urging it to send an international letter rogatory (a formal request for assistance between two courts) to the Thai authorities to facilitate the arrest and extradition of Min Aung Hlaing under Thai law.
Although there is no extradition treaty between Argentina and Thailand, Thailand’s Extradition Act B.E. 2551 (2008) permits extradition in the absence of a bilateral treaty where certain legal criteria are met. Those criteria are clearly met in relation to genocide and crimes against humanity, including where the alleged offences are punishable by at least one year’s imprisonment under the laws of both countries.
The Argentina case is the first universal jurisdiction case anywhere in the world concerning the Rohingya genocide. It complements international accountability efforts at the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
In November 2024, the Prosecutor of the ICC requested an arrest warrant for Min Aung Hlaing, although the Court has yet to issue a decision. Burma is also facing a case at the ICJ under the Genocide Convention, brought by The Gambia in 2019 and now supported by 11 intervening States. A judgment is expected later this year.
“There is no question that Min Aung Hlaing is responsible for horrific crimes against the people of Burma. The Thai authorities should not lend legitimacy to his murderous regime by rolling out the red carpet for his visit, but instead set an example on human rights, justice and accountability,” said Tun Khin.
For media inquiries:
Please contact Tun Khin on +44 (0)7888 714866 or email info@brouk.org.uk