Current Events Related to Myanmar

Introduction & Analysis

This collection of open-source English-language news articles published over the past week highlights significant events and issues concerning Myanmar. They present a snapshot of the country's safety and security landscape.

Recent reports highlight a surge in Covid-19 cases in Thailand, particularly in Bangkok, with over 33,000 cases reported nationally in one week. Meanwhile, Myanmar faces a severe humanitarian crisis compounded by ongoing civil war and the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that destroyed homes and infrastructure and displaced thousands. The military junta has been criticized for its response to the earthquake and continues to conduct indiscriminate airstrikes targeting civilian areas, including schools and monasteries. Indonesia and Thailand have discussed the crisis and the need for peace. China maintains a complex diplomatic approach, supporting the junta while also engaging with ethnic armed organizations, which influences the conflict and regional dynamics. Domestically, the junta is proceeding with plans for elections in late 2025, but political parties fear a widespread boycott due to public opposition and the ongoing conflict. The National Unity Government also faces scrutiny over delays in repealing the contentious 1982 Citizenship Law, and some Japanese firms are withdrawing from a port project citing human rights concerns.

ASEAN

Indonesia, Thailand discuss humanitarian crisis in Myanmar

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra discussed the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, which has been ongoing since the 2021 military coup and civil war. Both countries expressed their support for promoting peace in Myanmar, advocating for inclusive dialogues and backing Malaysia's role as ASEAN chair in finding a peaceful solution. Indonesia specifically appreciated Thailand's constructive efforts in engaging neighboring countries and facilitating dialogue, and has also provided humanitarian assistance to Myanmar, including aid and deployment of SAR and medical teams.

Census & Elections

SNLD Stands Firm Against Junta-Led Elections: An Interview with General Secretary Sai Leik

Drawing on the sources provided, the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) remains firm in its refusal to register under the authority of Myanmar's military-appointed Union Election Commission (UEC), a decision reiterated by their spokesperson Sai Leik. Sai Leik views the junta's ongoing talk of elections in late 2025 or early 2026 as rhetoric lacking concrete steps or credibility, believing the plans primarily serve to legitimize the junta's rule rather than benefit the people or lead to stability. The SNLD maintains its long-held position that a meaningful political dialogue and agreement to establish a genuine federal democratic union must occur before any elections can deliver real change or peace.

Myanmar Political Parties Fear Mass Boycott of Junta’s Election

The Myanmar junta is planning to hold a phased election from December 2025 to January 2026, despite admitting that it could not count 19 million people in its census and lacking widespread control outside major cities. Political parties registered for the poll fear a mass boycott by a public in revolt and potential low voter turnout, though the junta has called on opposition forces to cooperate. While some registered parties view the election as the only way to end the country's turmoil, critics broadly condemn the poll as a sham to maintain the regime's power and worry it will lead to further conflict and violence.

Myanmar junta likely to form new ‘interim government’ in July ahead of year-end elections - Burma News International

The Myanmar junta is expected to form a new "interim government" in July. This formation is anticipated as a step toward general elections planned for the third and fourth weeks of December 2025 and the first and second weeks of January 2026. Analysts suggest that the structure may shift from a military-dominated to a civilian one, potentially with junta leader Min Aung Hlaing appointing others to roles such as president and prime minister, while he retains the position of Commander-in-Chief.

Shan Party Says It’s Ready to Take Part in Junta’s Election

The Shan and Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP), led by Sai Aik Pao, has expressed its readiness to participate in the Myanmar military regime's planned December election, stating that an election is necessary for a civilian government to emerge and prevent the military's continued rule. Despite concerns from anti-regime groups and Western countries who view the election as a sham, the SNDP highlights that Myanmar's election laws have no minimum voter turnout requirement for a valid result. Several other parties, including the military's proxy Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), are also preparing for the poll, which is proceeding amid ongoing armed conflicts and the dissolution of parties like the National League for Democracy (NLD) by the regime.

Conflict

Myanmar Junta Abandons Chinese Pipeline Amid Resistance Attacks

Myanmar's junta has abandoned an off-take station for the Chinese oil and gas pipelines in Mandalay Region following eight simultaneous resistance attacks. These attacks involved numerous resistance groups targeting junta guards and positions across Natogyi, Taung Tha, Myingyan, and Ngazun townships, utilizing ground assaults and drone strikes. The fighting led to casualties, the use of junta aircraft for defense, and the regime's abandonment of the guard post, reportedly leaving dead soldiers behind.

Myanmar Military Airstrike Destroys Monastery in Southern Shan State

On May 13, 2025, a Myanmar military airstrike destroyed a monastery in Taung Poet Kwe village in Southern Shan State. Fortunately, no casualties occurred as most residents had already fled the area due to fierce ongoing clashes between the military regime (SAC) and Karenni resistance forces. The destroyed monastery had previously served as a refuge and was targeted last month, reflecting the increasingly common reports of indiscriminate airstrikes on civilian infrastructure and religious sites in southern Shan and Karenni regions, causing widespread displacement.

Myanmar Military Intensifies Bombings in TNLA-Held Regions, Killing Civilians and Destroying Homes

The Myanmar military has escalated aerial bombardments in Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA)-controlled areas of Shan State, deploying 500-pound bombs. These attacks have resulted in the killing of multiple civilians and the destruction of civilian infrastructure and homes in places like Nawngkio and Mongkut. This intensified aggression is occurring despite the military council having extended a temporary ceasefire.

Three Killed in Mindat Township Airstrike

A junta airstrike occurred on May 15, 2025, in a village near Mindat Town, Chin State. This attack killed three people, including a child, injured ten others, and resulted in six houses being burned down. The airstrike is part of recent junta activity in Mindat Township, an area controlled by Chin resistance forces who took control in December 2024 and declared it a junta-free zone.

Crime & Narcotics

Malaysia-bound narcotics intercepted

Authorities intercepted multiple vessels off the coast of Myanmar in April 2025, leading to the seizure of significant amounts of narcotics and the arrest of numerous individuals. A total of 4,093 kilogrammes of ICE and 3,000 kilogrammes of ketamine were seized, amounting to K282.325 billion in value, with 26 offenders arrested by mid-May. Confessions indicated that the drugs, allegedly traded by "AA terrorists" for arms and ammunition, were sourced from Shan State and intended for transport to Malaysia.

Economy

LNG power plants in Thilawa, Thakayta set for restart

Efforts are currently underway to restart LNG-fired power plants located in Thilawa (Thanlyin) and Thakayta within Yangon Region. Once these plants are operational again, the priority will be to supply electricity to industrial zones in Yangon and Mandalay Regions. This action is being taken while Myanmar's current daily electricity generation, approximately 2,300 megawatts, is significantly below the estimated national requirement.

Three Japanese Firms Ditch Myanmar Port Project

Three Japanese firms, Kamigumi, Sumitomo Corporation, and Toyota Tsusho, have confirmed their withdrawal from the Thilawa Multipurpose International Terminal project in Yangon, Myanmar. This decision followed inquiries by civil society groups from Myanmar and Japan about human rights due diligence after the 2021 coup and concerns about the terminal being linked to a military-owned conglomerate. Civil society groups are urging a transparent and responsible disengagement that upholds human rights standards and prevents any financial benefit to Myanmar's junta.

Workers at Adidas Factory in Myanmar Strike for Living Wage

Here is a three-sentence summary drawing on the information in the sources:

Around 4,000 workers at the Tsang Yih Shoe Factory in Myanmar, a major supplier for Adidas, are on strike demanding a significantly higher daily wage than their current pay of around 5,200 kyats. Workers are asking for 12,000 kyats, which aligns with expert estimates for a basic living wage amid a tripled cost of living since the 2021 coup, while the official minimum wage is low and often not fully paid by employers. Despite management threats and increased labor rights violations and suppression since the coup, workers felt compelled to take direct action themselves due to slow official responses and the risk of dismissal for those leading strikes.

Ethnic Issues

SSPP VERSUS RCSS: Shan unity talk resurfaces again but will it work?

The two main Shan armies, the Shan State Progress Party (SSPP) and the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS), are primarily discussed regarding Shan unity, despite having been in conflict with each other since 2018. The RCSS military command recently announced a directive for its troops to stop plans and attacks on SSPP for a period of 10 days, from May 16 to May 25, 2025, as part of a plan by RCSS Chairman General Yawd Serk to meet and discuss with people and the two armed organizations around Shan Revolutionary Day. Despite this initiative, the success of reviving unity talks is uncertain, as reports surfaced of the RCSS attacking SSPP positions shortly after the peace overtures became public, which goes against the desires of locals who wish for them to stop fighting each other and instead focus on dislodging the military dictatorship.

Foreign Affairs

Myanmar Junta Leader Scores Diplomatic Win With Xi Meeting in Moscow

Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing recently met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Moscow on May 9, 2025, during a military parade, marking their first encounter since the 2021 takeover. This encounter is viewed as a significant diplomatic win for the junta leader, with Xi reaffirming China's support for the regime and its proposed poll. The meeting underscores the deepening coordination between Moscow and Beijing on Myanmar issues and reflects the junta's increasing reliance on these powers for diplomatic and military backing amidst isolation from Western democracies.

China’s Two-Faced Diplomacy in Myanmar

China employs a complex dual-track strategy in Myanmar, officially supporting the military regime while also maintaining relations with and reportedly providing aid to various ethnic armed organizations (EAOs). This approach is driven by China's significant economic and strategic interests, including protecting infrastructure investments like the CMEC, securing border areas, accessing resources, and exerting regional influence to enhance its geopolitical position. By engaging with multiple factions, Beijing positions itself as a pivotal power broker, ensuring its influence regardless of Myanmar's internal power dynamics, though this strategy raises concerns about its impact on Myanmar's sovereignty and stability.

General News

Rights deferred: Citizenship reform mothballed in Myanmar

Myanmar's 1982 Citizenship Law is described as racist and discriminatory, marginalizing communities, particularly Muslim groups like the Rohingya, by making citizenship depend on ethnicity rather than birth. The parallel National Unity Government (NUG) initially offered hope by pledging to replace this law with a more inclusive model. However, citizenship reform has since stalled, leading to growing impatience and accusations that revolutionary groups are fearing public backlash and trading blame for the delays.

Pope to meet Zelensky, recalls ‘martyred Ukraine’, mentions Myanmar - mizzima

Pope Leo XIV, after his inauguration mass, mentioned Myanmar in his Regina Coeli prayer. He specifically recalled how "in Myanmar, new hostilities have destroyed innocent young lives". This mention was part of an article on ENG.MIZZIMA.COM, which also featured other news related to Myanmar, including daily updates on the Spring Revolution.

Healthcare

Covid cases surge to 33k in Thailand, with 6k in Bangkok

According to the Department of Disease Control, Covid-19 cases in Thailand spiked to 33,030 last week, doubling the number from the previous week, with at least 6,000 cases, specifically 6,290, reported in Bangkok. A Chulalongkorn University expert noted that cases have increased drastically for 11 consecutive weeks, stating this contradicts the Public Health Ministry's view that the situation is not concerning and suggesting the outbreak may last for a long time. In response to the surge, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is strengthening disease control measures, particularly among children as the new academic year begins, and ordering hospitals to prepare resources including doctors, equipment, medicines, vaccines, and beds to support treatment.

Humanitarian

Mandalay Authorities ‘Dragging Their Feet’ Over Post-Earthquake Rebuilding

Authorities in Mandalay are accused by residents of delaying inspection and approval for rebuilding after the March 28 earthquake, which caused massive destruction and deaths. Residents face significant difficulties, including sleeping outside due to continued aftershocks and delays in official inspections, preventing necessary repairs. Despite claims of systematic work and efforts like providing fixed-price cement, quake victims report not receiving promised aid funds and struggle with high costs and demolition/repair disputes.

IDPs in Hpakant Township Need Assistance - Burma News International

Displaced people (IDPs) in Hpakant Township, Kachin State, who fled fighting north of Mawsisar Village along the Myitkyina to Hpakant Road since late April 2025, are in urgent need of assistance. A total of 218 IDPs are currently sheltering in and near Mawsisar Village, specifically 166 at a KBC church school hall and 52 at a Buddhist monastery. These individuals, including many women and children, require aid such as food, shelter, sanitation facilities, clean drinking water, and financial support, with concerns about future accommodation and the approaching rainy season.

Myanmar, under the open sky: Surviving after the earthquakes

Two powerful earthquakes struck central Myanmar on March 28, 2025, destroying thousands of homes and essential infrastructure and leaving millions of people struggling to adapt to living in makeshift shelters exposed to heatwaves, rains, and protection risks. Even before the disaster, Myanmar faced a spiraling humanitarian crisis, and the earthquakes left an additional 2 million people in urgent need of assistance, facing dangers like scarce safe water, disrupted health services, and impending monsoon season risks. While the United Nations and NGOs are working with local organizations to provide life-saving assistance, the humanitarian response is severely underfunded, with millions still urgently needing support to rebuild their lives.

Taiwanese water expert reflects on work in post-earthquake Myanmar

Based on the sources, Wayne Chang, a Taiwanese-American water expert with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), has been working in post-earthquake Myanmar since April 2025 to restore the water system damaged by a 7.7-magnitude earthquake on March 28. Within a month and a half, his team secured drinking water by fixing damaged wells, building new ones, and installing filtering devices, although the upcoming monsoon season presents a major challenge due to potential floods and landslides. Chang emphasizes the importance of providing flexible and resilient long-term solutions for a continuous clean water supply, distinguishing this from short-term aid like donating bottled water.

Natural Disaster

Myanmar: Emergency Declined

Myanmar's disaster response capacity is severely criticized, stemming from the military government's prioritization of authoritarian control over public welfare, despite the country's high vulnerability to natural disasters. Rather than improving since past failures, such as Cyclone Nargis, the current junta is described as weaponizing disaster management to enhance its power, creating a tragic disconnect between acknowledging disaster severity and effectively addressing the population's risk. This results in the failure to implement essential humanitarian actions, widespread corruption, obstruction of aid, and even the reported use of crises for forced recruitment, exemplifying humanitarian suppression under authoritarian rule.

Telecommunications

Myanmar regime intensifies Facebook propaganda campaign in wake of school airstrike

The Myanmar regime is intensifying its Facebook propaganda campaign, a move facilitated by Facebook's new policy limiting content moderation. According to junta opponents and digital rights activists, this policy shift makes it easier for the regime to flood the platform with misinformation and propaganda. This tactic has become especially noticeable after a deadly school airstrike, where pro-regime and identifiable fake accounts proliferate to deflect blame.