Aung Saan Suu Kyi visited Thailand in Her First Foreign Visit since 1988

Myanmar’s pro-democracy leader Aung Saan Suu Kyi carried out her first trip outside the country since 1988. Suu Kyi, who is also Myanmar’s principal opposition leader, visited Thailand as her first foreign visit after she was elected to the country’s parliament following the by-elections.

The Nobel laureate arrived Thailand on 29 May 2012 on a six-day visit. During her visit to the neighboring country Suu Kyi addressed the world leaders at the World Economic Forum. She also visited a sprawling camp on Thailand's border which is home to up to 140000 ethnic Karen refugees.

After her trip to Thailand she would visit to Europe in June 2012. During her visit to Europe, she is also intended to formally receive her Nobel Prize which she had won in 1991. Suu Kyi will also visit her family residing in the UK. She is also scheduled to address the British parliament on 21 June 2012.

Earlier Suu Kyi had refused to leave the country during brief periods of freedom as she was afraid that she would not be allowed to return to the country again.

Suu Kyi, who had been a political prisoner for nearly 15 years went on to become the Myanmar’s most revered leader in past 25 years after she spearheaded a tough battle against the tyranny of the autocratic government of the country. Globally acclaimed pro-democracy leader, Suu Kyi was at the forefront of Myanmar's quest for democracy as she relentlessly  fought to bring out the much needed political reforms in nthe country. Her persistent striving for the democracy in the country drew the attention of the world community and got her the global support in the struggle against the Junta government. Suu Kyi's life long battle for democracy did not prove worthless as the military controlled government finally gave in to her demand and announced the political reforms in the country. Suu Kyi's victory in the by-elections, held in April 2012 was consisdered to be one of the biggest milestones achieved by the country. Although the country is still being ruled by the military controlled government, the recent political developments hold a great significance and being consisered as the revolutionary step towards the complete democracy.