The army general, who led the country since a 2021 coup against the elected government of Nobel Peace Prize winner Ms Suu Kyi, consolidated his power as head of a civilian regime.

Myanmar’s parliament elected junta chief Min Aung Hlaing as president on Friday, parliament said, with the ex-military commander set to maintain his rule in a civilian guise after snatching power by force five years ago.

The Asian Highway between Myawaddy and Hpa-an has been reopened, but locals say they are still frightened to use it due to ongoing clashes, and trucks remain banned.