Prior to its abrogation in April 2009, the constitution and other laws and policies protected religious freedom and, in practice, the government generally respected religious freedom. Laws and policies generally continued to protect religious freedom for most groups. However, the government placed restrictions on annual meetings of the Methodist Church. The military-led government demonstrated a trend toward deterioration in respect for and protection of the right to religious freedom.
There were reports of societal abuses or discrimination based on religious affiliation, belief, or practice.
The U.S. government discussed religious freedom with the government and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) dedicated to interfaith and civic dialogue as part of its overall policy to promote human rights.