Internal Politics
- NUG president urged exiled officials to return to strengthen ground efforts
At a cabinet meeting on November 26, the National Unity Government (NUG)’s interim president Duwa Lashi La called on exiled leaders to return home, emphasizing the need to consolidate efforts on the ground. Describing the Spring Revolution as the largest mass uprising since independence, the interim president warned that it cannot be a government in exile. The 74-year-old Kachin politician and lawyer, who has led the NUG since April 2021, oversees the 17-ministry government formed in opposition to military rule. Reflecting on nearly four years of revolution, he urged exiled officials to prioritize local action, stating that the NUG had given the international community more time than necessary, and now is the time for its members abroad to return and fortify ground forces. The remarks were shared in a press release issued by the NUG.
- The regime seized land plots owned by the NLD leaders
The military council has reportedly confiscated land in Nay Pyi Taw owned by State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, President U Win Myint, and other National League for Democracy (NLD) officials. According to a regime controlled publication on November 27, 30-year leases for 36 plots in Ottara Thiri and Dakkina Thiri townships have been revoked, with the plots now under the military government ownership. While the statement allowed for reimbursement of land payments, no reason for the lease cancellations was provided. Myanmar Now confirmed that the seized plots include plot U-1001, owned by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and plot U-1002, owned by U Win Myint. The other plots are believed to belong to NLD ministers and deputy ministers, though further details remain unverified.
- Coup leader warned that armed conflict won’t bring peace
In a message marking National Day on November 25, coup leader General Min Aung Hlaing warned that resolving political issues through armed conflict instead of political means could lead to a “free but not peaceful” situation. He emphasized that such an approach risks undermining ethnic unity and jeopardizing the sovereignty and stability of the union. To address the current crisis, he called for dialogue as a way to reduce conflict and find a solution. Since the 2021 coup, the military council, having lost control of over 80 cities, has frequently invited ethnic armed groups for political talks. However, even as these invitations are extended, ethnic-controlled areas and villages are subjected to ongoing airstrikes and attacks by military forces.
- TNLA open to talk with the regime to reduce the public hardship and China’s pressure
The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (PSLF/TNLA) expressed willingness to engage in talks with the regime, citing the need to alleviate public hardships and address pressure from China. TNLA spokesperson Lwe Ye Oo told Myanmar Now on November 26 that the primary goal of the talks is to address the long-standing crisis and the challenges faced by the people. She acknowledged that China has emphasized the importance of such discussions, which influenced the TNLA’s decision to take the proposal seriously. At present, the TNLA has yet to receive a response from the regime, and no formal meetings between TNLA leaders and the Chinese government have occurred. Preparations are underway for the talks, and Lwe Ye Oo assured that the TNLA would prioritize the security of the people regardless of the talks’ outcome.
- NUG urged China to cooperate with the resistance for its investment projects
U Kyaw Zaw, spokesperson for the National Unity Government (NUG) President’s Office, stated on November 26 that China should cooperate with the NUG which has the mandate of the people and collaborate with the revolutionary forces for the interest of Chinese projects in Myanmar. NUG supports the people regarding Chinese projects and interests in Myanmar and emphasized the need for collaboration with revolutionary forces. His remarks came after China had strengthened ties with the regime in November by inviting the junta chief to China. Despite this, U Kyaw Zaw clarified that NUG policies on China—including investment policy, military code of conduct, and the China policy—will remain unchanged. He assured that the NUG will safeguard all foreign investments, including those legally made by China.
International Affairs
- ICC prosecutor requested the court to issue arrest warrant for MAH
On November 27, International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim AA Khan formally requested an arrest warrant for General Min Aung Hlaing to the court for his crimes against humanity committed against the Rohingya. The ICC launched its investigation into the 2016–2017 violence against the Rohingya in Rakhine State on November 14, 2019. Following the investigation, the Prosecutor’s Office concluded there was reasonable cause to believe that Min Aung Hlaing was responsible for orchestrating the crimes. These atrocities, carried out by the Myanmar military with the support of border guards and non-Rohingya civilians, are alleged to have occurred between August 25 and December 31, 2017. The evidence submitted includes photographs, videos, eyewitness testimonies, and documentary records. It is now up to ICC judges to review the evidence and determine whether the application meets the required standard to issue an arrest warrant.
- China vowed to support resolution of Rakhine crisis
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated on November 28 that China is committed to working with the international community to address the crisis in Myanmar’s Rakhine State and will play a constructive role in reducing conflict. Speaking at a regular press conference in Beijing, Mao acknowledged the region’s complex history, involving ethnic and religious issues, and emphasized the need for a multi-faceted approach. As a neighboring country, China is closely monitoring developments in Rakhine and aims to contribute to stabilizing the situation. Regarding the ICC’s efforts to issue an arrest warrant for Min Aung Hlaing, Mao added that China maintains its position that the ICC should act with fairness and impartiality.
- Thailand to host informal talks on Myanmar in December
The Thai government is preparing to host informal discussions on Myanmar’s crisis in December, according to The Bangkok Post. While the talks are tentatively scheduled for December 19–20, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura stated that the dates remain unconfirmed, pending approval from all participants. The discussions will involve Indonesia, the previous ASEAN chair, Laos, the current chair, and Malaysia, the upcoming chair. When asked about the ICC’s potential arrest warrant for the coup leader over crimes against the Rohingya, the spokesperson noted that while Thailand is not an ICC member, it acknowledges the significance of the situation. Thailand had proposed hosting these informal talks during the ASEAN Summit in Laos in October, aiming to foster dialogue and address Myanmar’s ongoing crisis.
- Thai military pressured Wa army to remove border bases
The United Wa State Army (UWSA) confirmed that the Thai military demanded the removal of nine UWSA bases in Wa’s 171st Military Region, located in southern Shan State along the Thai border. The Thai military asserted that these bases encroach on Thai territory and reinforced its forces along the border as a result. Talks between the UWSA and the Thai military took place in Chiang Mai in November, but the bases remained in place. U Nyi Yang, the UWSA’s external relations officer, noted that while Thailand has increased its troop presence, the situation on the UWSA side remains calm. Thai news outlets report that heavy artillery units are positioned to support Thai ground forces in the region. The Thai military has specifically demanded the immediate evacuation of at least seven bases in Mae Hong Ser district, but the UWSA has refused. The Wa Army’s bases are reportedly equipped with howitzers and remain combat-ready. U Nyi Yang emphasized that the border dispute should be resolved through negotiations between the two nations, not solely with the UWSA.
- The regime opened fire on Thai fishing boats, killing one and capturing 31
A regime’s warship fired on three Thai fishing boats in the early morning on November 30 while they were reportedly in Thai waters, killing one Thai crew member and capturing 31 others, including four Thais and 27 Myanmar nationals, The Nation reported. The incident also left two crew members injured, who were transported to Ranong by a Thai patrol boat at 3:30 a.m. for treatment. Some crew members jumped overboard to escape, but one drowned. Reports indicate that two Thai fishing boats were later seized by the Myanmar military in Myanmar waters. Thai authorities have lodged an official protest against the incursion into Thai waters and the seizure of Thai boats and are working to secure the release of the detained crew.
Business Matters
- Foreign investment plummets to record low since the coup
Foreign investment in Myanmar has dropped sharply due to the military’s violence, human rights abuses, and ongoing political instability following the 2021 coup. According to the Department of Investment and Company Administration (DICA), foreign investment from April to October in the 2024–25 fiscal year amounted to just over $226 million—the lowest level in nearly four years. By comparison, investment was $661 million in 2023–24, $1.64 billion in 2022–23, and $642 million in 2021–22. Since the junta’s revised budget took effect in October 2021, total foreign investment over the past three years and one month was $3.168 billion—over $1.7 billion less than the recorded investment in 2019–20 under the National League for Democracy (NLD) government. An economist attributed the sharp decline to political instability, surging foreign exchange rates, inconsistent economic policies, and inadequate electricity supply, which have deterred foreign businesses from operating in Myanmar.
- The regime planned to send workers to China and Russia
Amid growing international isolation, the regime is reportedly planning to send workers to China and Russia, its key allies. A pilot program to send workers to China began earlier this year, but immigration issues have temporarily halted it. Workers were initially sent to factories and workshops in special economic zones in Yunnan province. Meanwhile, job agencies with ties to the military are working on plans to send workers to Russia, a move currently under review by the regime’s Ministry of Labor. A staff from a job agency said that there was no sending of workers to Russia before the coup, adding that Russia and China remain the junta’s only reliable partners. Efforts to send workers have also faced logistical challenges. Fighting in Shan State has caused the military council to lose control over certain areas, leading to the closure of border gates and making travel to China more difficult.
- The regime relies on the sales of treasury bonds to insurance companies
Unable to secure international loans or assistance, the regime turned to issuing and selling treasury bonds and bills, primarily to local financial institutions and international insurance companies operating in the country. According to records obtained by Myanmar Now, three major insurance companies—Hong Kong-based AIA, and Japan-based Tokio Marine and Nippon Life Insurance—purchased nearly 50 billion kyats in treasury bonds in September 2021, eight months after the coup. Tokio Marine and Nippon Life Insurance operate as joint ventures with Grand Guardian Insurance, part of the Shwe Taung Group owned by U Aik Htun. While current bond purchases remain undisclosed, experts say these investments are often mandatory under Myanmar’s insurance laws, with few alternative investment options available. Although the amounts raised represent only about 1% of the military’s 5,635 billion kyats military expenditure for the 2023–24 fiscal year, Myanmar has 27 international and local insurance companies. If all participated, the total investment could reach several billion kyats, providing limited but critical funds for the junta.
Humanitarian Affairs
- Conflict displaced 3.5 million people: UNOCHA reports
Ongoing armed conflicts, heavy weapon use, and airstrikes across the country have displaced a record 3.5 million people, according to a November 27 report by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA). The report highlights the worsening humanitarian crisis, with civilian casualties rising and urgent needs for protection and aid growing. The UNOCHA report also indicated that fighting between armed opposition groups and the military council has escalated since October 2023, now impacting 12 of Myanmar’s 15 regions and states, including Nay Pyi Taw council territory. UNOCHA urged all parties to the conflict to grant unhindered humanitarian access and remove restrictive barriers to ensure critical aid reaches affected civilians.
- Entry into Thailand with PV passports denied at Tachileik
Residents in Tachileik, Eastern Shan State, reported on November 28 that individuals with PV (Passport for Visit) documents are being denied entry into Thailand at the Tachilek border gate. Since early November, Myanmar immigration officials have intensified checks, sending back many young people with visit visas who intended to cross the border. A Tachileik resident said that it was no longer easy to cross the border with PV or PJ passports, noting that even students and those seeking medical treatment face strict scrutiny, with some being turned away. Reports also indicate that only individuals holding Shan State registrations are allowed to cross, while those with registrations from other states face stricter checks. The number of people denied entry remains unclear, and independent verification is pending.
- The military raids displaced 10,000 in Kyunhla, Sagaing
Nearly 10,000 residents from over a dozen villages in Kyunhla Township, Sagaing Region, have been displaced due to military raids, an aid worker told RFA on November 30. Since November 20, a 200-strong regime’s column has been clearing villages in the area, leaving residents too afraid to return home. The displaced urgently require humanitarian assistance, the aid worker reported.
Attacks on the Junta’s Lackeys & Assets
- Detained PDF rangers broke from jail in Pauk tsp, Magway Region
Five resistance fighters, including a female soldier, reportedly escaped from a regime police jail in Pauk Township, Magway Region. They had been held in the facility, located 13 miles east of Pauk, for several months before managing to break out at midnight on November 24. The prisoners were reportedly kept in chains on both their hands and feet, except during meals and showers. Despite these conditions, they exploited weak nighttime security to escape to a liberated area.
- KIA conducted attack on the airport in Banmaw, Kachin State
On November 26, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) launched an artillery strike on Banmaw Airport in Kachin State. While the number of casualties remains unknown, locals reported that the attack disrupted flight operations. In response, the regime carried out an airstrike on Warshaung Village in Winmaw Township, causing damage to a building. Clashes between regime forces and KIA-led resistance groups continue daily in Banmaw and Momauk towns.
- Notorious armed militia leader killed in Naypyitaw
On November 29, local resistance forces ambushed Min Min, a key regime lobbyist and armed Pyu Saw Htee member, along with his bodyguards in Naypyitaw. The group was intercepted while investigating resistance activities along the Naypyitaw-Taungnyo Road in Popathiri Township. Min Min and one of his bodyguards were killed on the spot, while the others fled. Min Min was infamous for numerous crimes against the public, including torture, extortion, and arson. Following his death, regime supporters have called for retaliation.
Arbitrary Arrests, Killings & Violence
- 12 people killed by regime’s attacks in Pekon and Loikaw tsp
The Karenni State Executive Council (IEC) has reported that 12 civilians were killed in November in airstrikes and artillery shelling by the regime’s forces in southern Shan State, Pekhon Township, and Loikaw Township, Kayah State. Six people were killed each on November 8 and 27. The IEC said the deaths on November 27 were two children and their mother from Konpaw village on the eastern bank of Phekhon Lake, two local women from Moe Bye Township, and a 40-year-old man from Shwe San Village. The two children were girls aged 1 year, 10 months, 1 month, and 20 days. The deaths on November 8 were two from Pekhon Township and four from Loikaw Township. The attack took place at 11 p.m.
- Regime’s airstrike killed six in Falam tsp, Chin State
At least six people were killed in an airstrike in Lumte, Falam Township, Chin State, on the afternoon of November 26. The aircraft dropped two bombs on the Lumte village dispensary, located about 20 miles east of Falam town, said Ko Terah, program manager for the Chin Human Rights Organization (CHRO). “There was no fighting. They dropped about two (bombs). I heard they were targeting the dispendary. We are still investigating the details,” he said. Locals said one woman and five men were killed and five others were injured in the explosion. In addition to the dispensary, the airstrike reportedly destroyed six houses and a church in the village of Longtham, which has about 80 homes.
- Retired police chief arrested for supporting AA
Retired police chief and Rakhine ethnic U Shwe Zan was arrested in Thaketa Township, Yangon Region, for allegedly supporting the Arakan Army (AA) and inciting unrest on social media. A joint team of regime soldiers and police officers arrived at his home on Aung Chan Street, West Ward, at 6:15 p.m. on November 26 and detained him, according to family members. He was accused of posting pro-AA messages on Facebook and agitating against the junta. On November 27, he was reportedly transferred to an interrogation center from Thaketa Police Station. Relatives expressed concern as his current location remains unknown. A case has been opened against U Shwe Zan at Thaketa Police Station, but the specific charges under which he was prosecuted have not yet been disclosed.
- Junta seized lands of former civilian leaders in Naypyitaw
The regime has reportedly confiscated plots of land in Naypyitaw that were purchased by State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, President U Win Myint, and others. On November 27, the junta’s propaganda newspaper announced the cancellation of 30-year leases for 36 plots of land in Oattaya Thiri and Dekkhina Thiri townships. The statement mentioned that those affected could withdraw the value paid for the land but did not explain the reason for the lease cancellations. According to Myanmar Now, the seized properties include plot number U-1001, owned by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and plot number U-1002, owned by U Win Myint.
- High school student abducted for dissent
The regime’s forces have reportedly abducted a high school student for online dissent in Yangon. Mg Phyo Myat Aung, a 13-year-old ninth grade student at No (2) High School in Shwe Pyi Thar Township, Yangon Region, was arrested on November 27 for posting a video on TikTok of him stepping on the picture of the coup leader Min Aung Hlaing under his shoe. He said some insults in the videos but nothing political. Mg Phyo Myat Aung is currently being held at Shwe Pyi Thar City Police Station and said to be charged with Sedition act 505A. The soldiers entered the school hours after the military lobbyist’s Telegram social media platform posted a message to arrest Mg Phyo Myat Aung along with the school’s address.
- More political prisoners transferred from Insein Prison
About 500 prisoners, including political prisoners, who were being held at Insein Prison in Yangon were transferred to Tharyarwady Prison in Bago Region in the early hours of November 30. Ko Thaik Htun Oo, a member of the steering committee of the Myanmar Political Prisoners’ Network (PPNM), said that the families of the prisoners who were transferred were concerned. He said that the number of political prisoners transferred to Tharyarwady Prison and the number of men and women were not yet known. This will further isolate political prisoners from their families and make it difficult for them to send letters to and from prison. More than 1,000 political prisoners have been transferred from Insein Prison to Tharyarwady Prison this year, and former political prisoners say that most of them are those who criticize the prison authorities and participate in political activities.
Armed Resistance
- Clash broke out near Asia Highway in Kawkareik tsp, Karen State
Fighting between regime forces and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) continues near the Asia Highway in Kawkareik Township, Karen State. A local defense official warned that the situation could escalate as the junta reinforces its troops in the area. The regime has also concentrated forces near the Gyaing Bridge and has been preparing for nearly nine months to regain full control of Myawaddy. However, according to joint resistance forces, the military has yet to advance from the Dawna Mountain region to Myawaddy.
- Regime’s military column attacked and destroyed on route to Loikaw, Karenni State
On November 25, a column of more than 80 soldiers from the 80th Battalion under the 66th Division was ambushed by the Karenni Revolutionary Joint Forces near Kon Thar Village in Moe Bye Township. The attack resulted in the destruction of the entire column. A Karenni military source confirmed that six forced conscripts were captured alive, over 40 soldiers were killed, and more than 20 weapons were seized. The 80th Battalion, based in Inma Township, Pyay District, is frequently deployed to Karenni State and has suffered heavy losses during each deployment.
- Clash intensified in PDF-controlled areas in Mandalay Region
The junta has launched a large-scale offensive using forcibly recruited and hastily trained soldiers to reclaim bases and areas controlled by the Mandalay People’s Defense Force (PDF). Fierce clashes are ongoing in Mattara, Thabeikkyin, and Naungcho townships. Despite the offensive, the PDF (Mandalay) maintains full control of its strongholds. The regime has resorted to targeting civilians with airstrikes. On November 27, at 9:15 a.m., the junta bombed a religious center in Lak Kaung Gyi New Village, Mattara Township, killing a young monk and two young women.
- Retreating regime soldiers intercepted and captured in Ann tsp, Rakhine State
On November 28, the Student Armed Force (SAF) announced it had intercepted a retreating regime column in Ann Township, capturing 14 soldiers and seizing weapons. The column, led by Major Zaw Htet Naung, fled from the One Mile Hill camp on November 23 but was intercepted by SAF forces. The SAF shared photos of prisoners of war, weapons, and documents confirming the captures. While some junta soldiers fled in small groups, the SAF is continuing search efforts. SAF also says that the captured troops have received medical treatment and are being held in line with the prisoner of war policy.
- AA conducting offensive on the remaining regime stations in Taungup tsp, Rakhine State
The Arakan Army (AA) announced on November 29 that it is launching simultaneous attacks on the Taungup-based Operations Command Headquarters and the 346th and 544th Infantry Battalions. Following a 17-day offensive from November 4 to 20, the AA claimed full control of Taungup town by November 24 after capturing surrounding military bases. On November 21, AA troops entered the town and instructed residents to evacuate. The remaining regime forces are now under heavy assault as the AA consolidates its control over Taungup.
Sources: Myanmar Now, RFA Burmese, Khit Thit Media, VOA, DVB, The Irrawaddy
