Following graduation, Min Aung Hlaing went on to command positions in Mon State and in 2002, he was promoted to commander of the Triangle Region Command in Eastern Shan State and was a central figure in negotiations with two rebel groups, the United Wa State Army (UWSA) and the National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA).[1] Min Aung Hlaing was reportedly close with former Thai Prime Minister Prem Tinsulanonda, he also wisdom and considered Prem as a father figure.[10][11]