THAILAND’S coup leader Prayuth Chan-ocha travelled to neighbouring Myanmar yesterday for discussions with President Thein Sein, who retired from the military and became head of state in 2011.

The visit marks a sensitive time for both countries, especially since Thailand recently arrested two Myanmar migrants for the murder of two British tourists.

Amnesty International has alleged that the suspects were tortured by police and protesters in Myanmar’s main city, Yangon, are organising a demonstration today to call for an independent investigation into the torture charges.

The Thai government, which came to power after the army overthrew a popularly elected administration, has also struggled with hundreds of thousands of Myanmar refugees who fled fighting between their army and ethnic rebels.

Myanmar’s quasi-civilian government is holding elections next year.

However, it has resisted changes to the military-drafted constitution that would allow opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi to run for president.