Folks, it’s not safe for Myanmar people everywhere whether they are inside or outside the regime’s territory. This week we received concerning news from Myinchan and Daik Oo prisons where political prisoners were taken away by the guards, and their whereabouts are unknown. Some raised concerns about the torture during interrogation. Mass arrests of Myanmar migrant workers took place in the border town Mae Sot this week while several arrests and raids across the country were also reported. Despite all this, both the protest rallies and armed resistance remain strong in Myanmar. Read all about it in our weekly update.
Internal politics
- Concerns mount over violent interrogation of political prisoners
This week, 27 political prisoners from Myinchan Prison and Daik Oo Prison were taken away from detention. From May 21 to 23, a total of 12 political prisoners from Myinchan Prison were taken away by the authorities for interrogation. Authorities accused detainees of having a mobile phone in their possession and asked them to return. Due to the excessive beating of prison guards, one of the detainees named Ko Okkar died, and the whereabouts of the rest are unknown as of May 24. Ko Shin Thant, who supports and monitors the situation of political prisoners, told Myanmar Now that “searching for mobile phone” is an excuse to torture the detainees. The situation of the deceased Ko Okkar is also unclear. Similarly in Daik Oo Prisons, a total of 15 detainees were forcefully taken on May 25 and 26. A source from the prison told Myanmar Now that the prison guards threatened detainees with torture if they did not follow peacefully. The source added that, about three months ago, 1-2 detainees were taken by interrogators as they were accused of having ties with PDF members, and got beaten up in the process. The whereabouts of 15 detainees from Daik Oo Prison are also unknown.
- Regime’s police raided and destroyed the NLD office in Budalin
In Budalin Town, the NLD party office was raided and destroyed by the regime’s police force on May 25. A local told RFA Burmese that more than 20 police broke into the office and destroyed everything inside. He also continued that this was not the first time that the regime’s forces destroyed the NLD office in Budalin. A local resistance fighter said that the raid could be a retaliation by the regime since a regime troop in the southern part of Budalin was detonated earlier that day. According to the records of the NLD Party’s Human Rights Violation Record Collection Department, the NLD Party offices were invaded and destroyed more than 120 times since the coup.
- Regime arrested two KIO officers
Two KIO administrative officers were arrested by the regime’s soldiers on the evening of May 25 together with jade stones. Locals told RFA Burmese that the detained KIO officers are U La Bon and U Daik Khong who are in their 40s. U La Bon’s house is now been sealed off by the regime soldiers, his wife, and children were also detained. U Daik Khong’s house is also been shut down. Prior to this arrest, the regime forces also detained seven men who stayed in a motel in Lone Khin Township for allegedly associating with KIO and PDFs.
- Myanmar Pressphoto Agency reporter sentenced to 10 years in prison
On May 26, Hmu Yadana Khat Moh Moh Tun, a reporter from Myanmar Pressphoto Agency, received 10 years imprisonment with hard labor under Anti-Terrorism Law Section 50(J) from the regime-controlled Thingangyun District Court. This verdict added to the initial imprisonment she received for incitement in December 2022, totaling up to 13 years of jail time. Her legal team told RFA News that she does not have the desire to appeal the case. Hmu Yadana Khat was arrested at the Pan Pin Gyi incident on December 5, 2021 where the regime forces rammed into a group of protesters to crack down. A total of 11 including three reporters were arrested at the incident. Since she was hit by the car at the arrest, she cannot move properly to this day. Since the military coup, 156 journalists have been arrested and 105 of them have been released. More than 50 are still in prison, and one photojournalist, Ko Soe Naing, died during interrogation.
International Affairs
- NUG Minister met with US Congressman Benjamin J Allen to address human rights violations
NUG Minister Dr. Zaw Wai Soe held a meeting with the US Benjamin J Allen to discuss Myanmar affairs, particularly focusing on the human rights violations perpetrated by the regime against the Myanmar people. The meeting took place on May 25 with an invitation extended by the California State Senator. Ko Zaw, who accompanied Dr. Zaw Wai Soe, told RFA Burmese that the pair discussed the current situation in Myanmar, and the potential support from the US to Myanmar in the health and education sectors. No official statement has been released by the NUG government. U Htin Lin Aung, NUG’s Minister of Communications & IT, also joined Dr. Zaw Wai Soe in the meeting with the Myanmar community in California, and the attendees donated money to foster communication and contribute to information and technology development projects.
- New Zealand Bans Myanmar Military Officials, Excludes Myanmar from Youth Exchange Program
On May 25, New Zealand-based news outlet “Newsroom” reported that the country has banned the officials from the Myanmar military to enter its territory for their continuing human rights violations against civilians. During the first half of 2023, young ambassadors from ASEAN countries were invited for an exchange but Myanmar will be left out of the program due to the ongoing crisis in the country according to New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta. The government continued to limit its high-level political engagement with Myanmar. Two years after the coup, New Zealand has contributed more than $31 million to humanitarian aid and development, to which its government declared the fund was not for the regime.
- Myanmar-Bangladesh Border Forces discussed illegal drug trade and border issues in a commander-level meeting
On May 24-25, a commander-level meeting took place between the Myanmar and Bangladesh border guard forces in Cox’s Bazaar in Bangladesh. During the meeting, General Nazm-Us-Sakib of the Bangladesh BGF said that the neighboring country is concerned about the proliferation of illegal import of WY and Ice (crystal meth) from Myanmar according to Bangladesh-based New Age news outlet on May 24. The regime-appointed Border Guard Police Chief Thet Lwin attended the meeting on Myanmar’s behalf. The Bangladeshi general highlighted that its forces seized 65 grams of crystal meth in 2020, 37 kilograms in 2021, over 113 kilograms in 2022, and over 100 kilograms have been seized in the first four months of 2023. Further topics relating the border issues such as drug trade, illicit trade, and territorial disputes were also discussed between the two countries at the meeting.
- Thai authorities arrest over 70 Myanmar workers in Mae Sot
On May 22, more than 70 undocumented Myanmar migrant workers were arrested by Thai authorities in Mae Sot according to Irrawaddy News. According to U Moe Gyo, the chairman of the Joint Action Committee for Burma Affairs (JACBA) based in Mae Sot, Thai authorities such as the police force, border patrol police, traffic police, and immigration officials are carrying out unannounced inspections on roads and conducting raids on small factories where Myanmar migrant workers are employed. The Irrawaddy also reported another arrest of 15 Myanmar nationals the next day on May 23 in a village. Security checks were increased due to Thailand’s general election from May 11 to 17, but more random raids were carried out after having found weapons in a house in the Mae Pa neighborhood of Mae Sot on May 14. One Myanmar woman and two Thai nationals were arrested during the incident. Tighter security checks continued to be carried out until May 26 and Myanmar community in Mae Sot had been warned to be extra cautious during these days.
Business Matters
- The regime’s Central Bank warned exporters and importers against dollar hoarding
The regime-controlled Central Bank has issued a warning to exporters and importers regarding the unnecessary acquisition and stockpiling of US dollars in response to the recent surge in the domestic currency market. Specifically, exporters have been cautioned that failure to promptly sell foreign currency to banks within the designated timeframe will result in consequences. The military council has also highlighted attempts to destabilize the financial system by spreading rumors about the re-entry of export earnings and imposing cash withdrawal restrictions on banks. Any banks found engaging in such practices, which often involve trading above market prices, will face disciplinary action. The exchange rate of the US dollar in the current foreign exchange market has been consistently increasing and has surpassed 2,950 MMK, although the price remains volatile. In parallel, local gold prices, which are tied to the dollar, have also risen to over 3,080,000 MMK. The Central Bank urges exporters and importers to report legitimate requirements for dollars through banks and warns against participating in rumors and speculative activities.
- Burma Campaign blacklisted five British insurance companies for facilitating the regime’s fuel supply chain
The Burma Campaign blacklisted five British insurance companies, namely UK P&I, Steamship Mutual, Britannia P&I, North Standard, and Shipowners’ Club, due to their failure to commit to discontinuing their coverage of jet fuel shipments to Myanmar. Amnesty International’s Deadly Cargo report has highlighted the role of these insurers in facilitating the supply chain of jet fuel to the Myanmar regime. Since the coup in 2021, the Myanmar military has intensified its airstrikes, targeting civilians, including educational and medical institutions. Mark Farmaner, the director of the Burma Campaign, emphasized the significance of severing the supply chain that sustains aviation fuel in Myanmar. Although the British government issued guidelines in 2022, urging companies to refrain from involvement in fuel supply to the military regime, the aforementioned blacklisted insurers have disregarded this instruction. The Burma Campaign maintains a list of international companies involved in human rights violations and environmental harm, which currently comprises over 200 entries. By avoiding these companies’ products and services, organizations and governments aim to prevent financial support to the military’s operations and human rights abuses.
- Remittances from Myanmar migrant workers exceed $1.5 Billion as job opportunities declined at home
According to data provided by Myanmar’s foreign embassies, remittances sent by Myanmar workers, primarily from Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, and Singapore, exceeded US$1.5 billion between November 1, 2022, and April 28, 2023. The deteriorating job opportunities and stagnant economy in Myanmar following the coup have compelled people to seek employment in other countries. Since May 2022, the Myanmar government has allowed workers to travel abroad for employment, leading to a significant number of workers relocating to Thailand and Malaysia. In the past year alone, over 150,000 Myanmar workers have signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in Thailand. According to data from Myanmar’s Labour Department, the total remittances made by Myanmar workers from 2014 to 2022 amounted to US$6.15 billion.
- Fraud scheme leaves thousands of youths trapped in foreign employment scam
Over 5,000 young individuals have been ensnared in a fraudulent scheme orchestrated by Su Paing Win Myint’s foreign employment agency in Yangon. The agency enticed these individuals with promises of job opportunities in Malaysia, amassing a total of 80,000 lakhs MMK in funds. Exploiting their trust, the scammers confiscated the victims’ passports during the recruitment process and refused to return them. Subsequently, the agency abruptly shut down its operations in North Dagon Township, leaving the victims in a state of distress. Despite their efforts to contact the brokers, the victims received no substantial information about the company’s reopening or the retrieval of their passports and money. Unable to secure alternative employment and grappling with frustration, the victims are contemplating filing a complaint with the Prevention of Human Trafficking for potential recourse. In a separate incident, twelve individuals fell prey to a deception orchestrated by U Maung Win, a former captain, who lured them with promises of work in a bottled water factory in Thailand. Each victim paid a reserve deposit of 450,000 MMK, only to discover that the involved company had its own employment complications. Authorities are currently investigating the matter, but the victims remain uncertain about the means to recover their passports and financial losses.
Protests
- Continuing protests
Protests across the country are still going strong, including in Yangon, Tanintharyi, Yinmarbin, Myaing, Monywa, Laung Lone, and Kyan Khin regions.
- Burmese citizens stage protest in Hiroshima
On May 21, Burmese citizens led a march and protest in Hiroshima, Japan, where the G7 meeting was being held, calling for effective action against the terrorist junta.
Attacks on the Junta’s Lackeys & Properties
- Deputy officer killed during raid on regime’s offices in Launglon, Tanintharyi Region
On May 23, at around 12:00 noon, the police station, immigration office and military affairs security force office were simultaneously attacked by local resistance forces in Launglon, Tanintharyi Region. During the raid on the immigration office, the officer fought back and escaped, while the deputy officer Thein Min Lat was shot and killed when he tried to jump out of the window. In the attacks on two other offices, the resistance rangers had to retreat after an exchange of fires due to the superior weaponry from the regime’s side. It was announced that all the attacks were carried out by local guerilla forces and had nothing to do with the public. However, the regime’s soldiers abducted four people on the next day, accusing them of being associated with the mission.
- Five Pyu Saw Htee members shot and killed in Tada-U tsp, Mandalay Region
On May 26 around 11:00 pm, five villagers known as members of Pyu Saw Htee militia, the armed group sponsored by the regime, were shot and killed in Htaukyit Village, Tada-U Township, Mandalay Region. According to the local sources, all five of them were also members of the regime’s Union Solidarity & Development Party (USDP). The dead bodies bore multiple gun wounds and it is still unknown who was responsible for the incident.
- Traffic police shot dead in Mattaya tsp, Mandalay Region
On May 27 around 4:00 pm, Sergeant Aung Kyaw Myo, a traffic police officer under the regime was shot and killed on his way back home in Mattaya Township, Mandalay Region. The man was shot dead in his house in Salpin Village. In his phone, records and documents related to the police and the military were found. The mission was carried out of three local resistance forces named Unicorn Guerilla Force, Phoenix SGG and Seinpannini drone force. The family members were present at the time of incident, but they were unharmed.
- Electricity supply office bombed in North Dagon tsp, Yangon Region
On May 27 around 8:13 pm, the office of the electricity supply manager was bombed by a local guerilla group named Mobile Local Force. A spokesperson said that the office staff had been confiscating meter boxes of the people, forcefully collecting electricity bill etc hence a warning was sent and if they continued doing that, a more serious attack would come. On the same evening, the internal revenue (tax) office of the regime was also attacked in Pyigyitagon Township, Mandalay with a grenade, leaving the building with some damages.
Arbitrary Arrests, Killings & Violence
- Eight including an underage killed in interrogation in Kawthoung tsp, Tanintharyi Region
On May 22, the regime’s forces reportedly killed eight civilians at the interrogation center in Kawthoung Township, Tanintharyi Region. The detainees were arrested for allegedly supporting PDF forces and one of them was Mg Wai Phyo Oo, just aged 16. Over 20 people in Kawthoung Township were abducted during April and May. While the rest were let go, those eight were interrogated brutally before being shot to death.
- Hip-hop artist detained for speaking out on power outages in Yangon
A popular hip-hop artist name Byuhar was reportedly arrested on the morning of May 24 after his video of criticizing the regime for failing to provide stable electricity went viral on social media. Byuhar singled out the coup leader Min Aung Hlaing and the minister for electricity supply in his outbursts. In the next day, the regime’s lobbyists posted a picture of Byuhar being handcuffed and taken under custody. In the picture, Byuhar had swollen lips and injuries in his face. His family is not able to contact him, and they do not know where he is being kept for the time being.
- Five including two children killed by regime troops in Yesagyo tsp, Magway Region
On May 26, around 6:00 am, about 200 troops of the regime conducted a raid on Yelalkyun, Meelaungkyun and Lhatkhote villages in Yesagyo Township, Sagaing Region without an active battle going on in the area. Five locals including two children were shot and killed as the soldiers opened fire on people. There could be more arrests and killings but it is not verified due to the lack of internet access in the area.
- Two children died and five injured due to regime’s artillery in Bilin tsp, Mon State
On the morning of May 27, two children were killed and five others were injured by the regime’s artillery in Bilin Township, Mon State. The heavy weaponry fire fell on Daukyat Village around 8:00 am in the morning, killing 15-year-old Mg San and 11-year-old Mg Moe Htet. Another fire fell on Awungyi Village, inside a monastery, injuring severely a monk, two novices and two workers. The regime’s lobbyists said that the incidents were caused by the PDF’s drones and the public said that the regime retaliated with artillery for the drone attack from the PDF.
Armed Resistance
- Clashes intensified in Karenni State
From May 14 to May 24, fights continued between the regime’s army and the local resistance forces in Karenni’s Demoso Township and Shan State’s Moebye, Pekon, Pinloung townships. Both sides suffered casualties as the regime conducted airstrikes on daily basis. A total of 60 airstrikes were recorded in 10-day battle according to Karenni National Defense Force (KNDF). About 40 from the regime and eight rangers were said to be killed. There are camps for internally displaced persons (IDP) in the west of Demoso Township, and they have also had to move frequently due to the airstrikes from the regime’s forces.
- Four police killed during raid by ABSDF on Mandalay-Shan border
On the morning of May 24, the All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF) mounted a counteroffensive on the regime’s police check point in Moemeit Township, on the border of Mandalay Region and Shan State. The check point was manned by 20 men and four of them were killed during the raid. In addition, six automatic guns, ammunitions and grenades were also confiscated. Five family members of the police, including two children and three women, were let go without any harm.
- Three civilians and two PDF members killed by airstrike in Sagaing-Kachin border
On May 25, the regime’s forces conducted an airstrike on the Banmauk Township and Inndaw Township on the border of Sagaing Region and Kachin State, leaving at least five casualties. A 60-year-old man and 30-year-old women were killed by the aerial attack in Naungkan Village of Banmauk Township. A 90-year-old Daw Mi Thein died of heart attack in Kyuntaw Village of Inndaw Township during another aerial attack. At least 25 aerial bombs were dropped and two PDF members, both aged 20, were killed.
- Regime’s military and police stations targeted by CDF in Mindat tsp, Chin State
On May 25, the Chin Defense Force (CDF) reportedly conducted a counteroffensive on the regime’s stations in Mindat Township, Chin State. A total of 30 free flight rockets were shelled towards the Infantry Unit 274, police station and security check point of the town. Casualties and damages are still being verified. Again on May 26, the regime’s 180-strong column was detonated with landmines on Kyaukhtu-Mindat highway road and suffered casualties.
- 17 soldiers killed during detonation attack in Kalay, Sagaing Region
On the morning of May 27, the regime’s column, made up of 80 troops, was attacked with landmine detonation in the south of Kalay Town, Sagaing Region. About 17 soldiers were said to be killed on the spot. The second detonation attack came in the afternoon when the same column was leaving Kalay Town and about five were speculated to be killed.
Sources: Myanmar Now, Khit Thit Media, The DVB, Mizzima News, The Irrawaddy, RFA Burmese
