Myanmar's leader Min Aung Hlaing visits Thailand (6-7 August 2026) for bilateral talks on trade and investment. Thailand-Myanmar business relations face severe headwinds: Myanmar's economy has been hit by five major shocks (COVID-19, internal political turmoil, civil unrest, military recruitment policies, and border conflicts). A critical constraint is Myanmar's depleted foreign reserves, forcing an "Earning Money Policy" that requires exporters to earn foreign currency before securing import licenses. Thai exports to Myanmar have declined sharply alongside a broader contraction in foreign goods penetration. Despite currency weakness and the kyat's depreciation, Myanmar remains a crucial market for Thai SMEs and businesses must adapt their strategies to this new economic reality, particularly in essential goods.