Hi folks, another NLD minister passed away this week, just days after the regime’s so-called pardon. It’s becoming clear that the regime’s plan to let opposition leaders grow weak and die in detention is working. This puts the wellbeing of State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and other detained leaders at serious risk.
Internal Politics
- Conscription recruits fled training
The regime has acknowledged that some recruits have escaped from military training schools, warning of impending action against deserters. During a November 7 meeting of the central committee for conscription, General Tin Aung San, deputy prime minister of the regime, highlighted that several individuals had passed medical screenings and joined the military but later deserted or failed to report to training without explanation. Though the regime insists recruitment is not forced, it is widely reported that local authorities have pressured youth into military service. Forced conscription, especially by soldiers of the regime, has reportedly been on the rise. A former military trainer shared that young recruits are escaping during both recruitment and training phases. Reports indicate that the military lacks sufficient personnel to monitor recruits effectively within training schools. Additionally, beyond local youth, the regime has been conscripting deportees returning from Thailand to fill military ranks.
- Former NLD minister passed away 11 days after the regime’s pardon
The NLD’s Electricity and Energy Minister U Win Khaing passed away at Mandalay General Hospital, 11 days after being released from prison by the regime. U Win Khaing passed away on November 9 at 11 am in the hospital’s intensive care unit, where he had been receiving treatment. The military council released U Win Khaing on October 28, as his health had severely deteriorated while serving a 28-year sentence. He was imprisoned under Section 55 of the anti-corruption law following the coup, with authorities accusing him of causing a 6-billion-kyat loss to the national budget after he refused to purchase military-manufactured Ever brand electricity meters. U Win Khaing reportedly lost consciousness when the regime’s members read out his pardon in the ICU. This incident mirrors the recent passing of Dr. Zaw Myint Maung, the former Mandalay Region Chief Minister, who also died in the hospital after his release was granted under similar conditions in early October.
- The regime signals openness to peace talks with the Three Brotherhood Alliance
In a recent meeting with Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang, the regime leadership expressed readiness to engage in dialogue with the Northern Alliances involved in Operation 1027 but emphasized that the regime has specific preconditions for any talks. The details of these preconditions remain unclear, though they may involve a demand to the Northern Alliances relinquishing control of occupied towns and villages, as well as returning border trade and military posts near China to the regime. The military leader further requested China’s assistance in keeping border gates closed in areas held by ethnic armed groups. Over the past year, the regime has reportedly lost control of 38 towns across northern Shan State, Rakhine State, Chin State, and Mandalay regions, including areas under the Lashio-based Northeastern Regional Command. Following the onset of Operation 1027, a temporary ceasefire, known as the Haigan Agreement, was brokered by China in January. However, both sides accuse each other of breaching this truce.
- KNU expressed challenges in the broader cooperation among ethnic armed groups
The Karen National Union (KNU) expressed challenges in achieving full cooperation from northern ethnic armed groups within a joint agreement recently announced by the National Unity Government (NUG) and its partner ethnic armed groups, collectively known as K2C. This coalition includes the KNU, the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), and the Chin National Front (CNF), which held an online press conference with the NUG on November 5 to discuss their unified efforts. While expressing solidarity with the broader goals of autonomy and federalism, KNU General Secretary Pado Saw Tado Mu acknowledged the challenges in collaborating with northern ethnic groups but declined to elaborate on specific reasons. He indicated that communication between northern and southern factions is delicate, though all parties share a common vision for a federal system. In northern Myanmar, the United Wa State Army (UWSA), Kachin Independence Army (KIA), Arakan Army (AA), and other forces form the Federal Political Negotiation and Consultative Committee (FPNCC), working together for political and military objectives. KNPP Secretary U Aung San Myint echoed the sentiment, noting that while each group pursues its own strategies, they are united in resistance against the military regime.
- The regime tightened travel restriction on CDM members to pressure their return to work
The regime’s Ministry of Immigration instructed airport staff at Yangon International Airport to intensify enforcement against individuals on the military’s travel blacklist, barring them from leaving the country. Although travel restrictions on blacklisted individuals have been in place for some time, recent directives signal a stricter application of these measures. A doctor involved in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM), speaking anonymously, told Radio Free Asia (RFA) that the military is using the travel ban to coerce CDM participants—protesting government employees who oppose the military coup—into returning to their posts. The regime has reportedly canceled passports and halted renewals for those blacklisted. Activists and CDM-affiliated government employees were systematically blacklisted after the coup. Individuals identified as blacklisted at Yangon and Mandalay airports have been detained upon attempting to depart the country. Additionally, since enacting the Conscription Law in February, the military council has restricted international travel for men aged 18 to 35.
International Affairs
- China backs the junta chief during Mekong Summit Meetings
At the Mekong Summit in Yunnan, Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang pledged support for Myanmar’s stability and upcoming election plans during discussions with the junta chief Min Aung Hlaing. The summit allowed the coup leader to meet with leaders from neighboring Mekong countries, including Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone. In his meetings, Min Aung Hlaing detailed the planned elections in Myanmar, seeking regional support for his administration’s political roadmap. Despite the international isolation that has followed the coup, China’s leadership has extended continued diplomatic and economic support. Prime Minister Li expressed China’s commitment to aiding Myanmar in achieving “stability and peace” and praised efforts to address internal conflicts through political dialogue rather than violence. He voiced confidence in the election process, pledging China’s support for its success. The China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, a flagship infrastructure project, was also a topic of discussion, with both sides agreeing to advance the initiative at an accelerated pace. The Chinese PM affirmed China’s ongoing support for Myanmar in the international arena, reinforcing their strategic partnership in the region.
- Thai PM held private meeting with junta chief during Mekong Summit
On November 7, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met privately with the junt leader Min Aung Hlaing, during the Greater Mekong Subregion Summit in Kunming, China. According to the Bangkok Post, the Thai government offered its support to foster peace in Myanmar, where ongoing conflicts have created significant regional instability. Last month at the ASEAN summit in Vientiane, Laos, Shinawatra advocated for deeper regional engagement with Myanmar, emphasizing the need for dialogue and suggesting a military solution might be necessary to address Myanmar’s complex political crisis.
- Pro-military political parties and ethnic leaders attended Constitutional Talk in New Delhi
On November 4, it was announced that 11 political parties that registered to participate in the junta’s sham election, along with ethnic armed leaders involved in ceasefire agreements, will attend a “Constitution and Federalism” dialogue in New Delhi, India. The meeting, scheduled from November 4 to 7, was held at India’s invitation. U Sai Lin, Chairman of the People’s Pioneer Party for Yangon Region, stated that the talks would focus on Myanmar’s current constitution and the federalism model, with India providing an explanation of the federal system. The discussions will aim to exchange views on advancing the country’s federal aspirations but are not intended as decision-making talks. The Myanmar delegation includes members of the Myanmar Unity and Peacemaking Coordination Committee, with People’s Party Chairman U Ko Ko Gyi participating as an alternate leader for the political parties.
- HRW warns Trump presidency’s potential impact on Myanmar refugees
Following Donald Trump’s election as the 47th president of the United States, Phil Robertson, the Deputy Director of Human Rights Watch’s Asia Division, expressed concerns that Trump’s administration may deprioritize human rights issues and potentially cancel the U.S. resettlement program for Myanmar refugees from Thailand. Speaking to The Nation in Thailand, Robertson cautioned that Trump’s policies could pose challenges for roughly 60,000 Myanmar refugees currently residing in Thai refugee camps. Under the previous U.S. administration, an agreement was made with the Thai government to allow Myanmar refugees to resettle in the U.S. and other countries before gradually closing these camps. However, Robertson voiced concerns that Trump’s administration may disrupt this process, impacting the futures of thousands of refugees.
- Regime embassy in Seoul warned of legal action over NUG passport renewals
On November 9, the Myanmar regime’s embassy in Seoul, South Korea, announced plans to pursue legal action against Myanmar nationals who renew expired passports through the National Unity Government (NUG) office. The NUG’s Korean representative office began renewing expired passports in August, and the junta’s embassy claims it is now working with Korean authorities and relevant organizations to address these cases.
- Over 100 Myanmar nationals denied tourist visas to Thailand in Vietnam
More than 100 Myanmar nationals had their applications for two-month tourist visas to Thailand rejected by the Thai consulate in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, with no official reason provided. According to a BBC source close to the consulate, the rejections may stem from Myanmar nationals repeatedly renewing temporary visas to remain in Thailand. This pattern intensified following the regime’s implementation of the conscription law, with many young Myanmar citizens using back-to-back tourist visas to reside in Thailand.
Business Matters
- China pressured the regime to expedite joint projects
During a meeting in Kunming, Chinese officials urged the junta chief Min Aung Hlaing to accelerate the implementation of joint China-Myanmar projects. Wang Ning, a senior Chinese Communist Party official and Yunnan State Party Secretary, made the request during a discussion held on November 5 at Kunming’s Haigan Hotel. The two leaders also discussed bolstering regional cooperation and combating cross-border crime, according to the junta controlled media outlets. Coup leader Min Aung Hlaing emphasized the need for joint efforts to ensure stability and peace along the Myanmar-China border, noting that a secure border region would boost trade activities, especially imports and exports. He also encouraged Chinese investment in Myanmar’s agricultural and forest resource industries, as well as in education, healthcare, and cultural exchange sectors. This visit marks Min Aung Hlaing’s first official trip to China since the coup in 2021, coinciding with the 8th Greater Mekong Sub-Regional Summit held in Kunming on November 6-7, where he also attended other regional economic cooperation meetings.
- Mytel’s joint venture company faces challenges in profitability
A recent report from a joint venture company revealed that making a profit from a partnership with Mytel, the military-owned telecommunications company in Myanmar, is proving difficult due to the high risks of damage to telecommunications infrastructure. Myanmar National Telecom Holding Public Company Ltd (MNTH), a collaboration between the Myanmar military and a local public company, is facing significant challenges in its telecom operations. According to the 2023-2024 company report from Yangon Stock Exchange-listed Myanmar Agricultural Products and General Development Public Company Limited (MAGDPL), which holds shares in MNTH, the destruction of telecommunications towers amid ongoing conflict is a major risk factor. The report highlights that the towers already built may face damage due to the unstable conditions in the country. Since its establishment in 2015, MNTH has invested approximately 3 billion kyats in its partnership with Mytel, which is largely backed by the Vietnamese military. However, following the coup and the subsequent public boycott of military-backed products, including Mytel, the company has struggled. The destruction of Mytel towers across the country has been widespread, with the debris often repurposed for military use in the production of explosives.
- TNLA allowed small-scale gem mining in its territories
Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), which controls Mokok township in Mandalay Region, has allowed small-scale gem mining operations in the area, which is known for producing high-quality rubies. Previously, the rights to large-scale gem blocks were monopolized by the regime and its allies, but these have now been banned. Since September, the TNLA has permitted small gem mining blocks to operate, with a focus on manual labor to support local livelihoods. According to TNLA spokesperson Lwe Ye Oo, miners are required to pay taxes based on the TNLA’s set rates and adhere to established rules and regulations. However, the specific number of mining blocks allowed and the exact tax rates remain undisclosed. Local residents can apply for mining licenses through the relevant administrators.
- Two foreign payment services suspended operation for Myanmar users
Two foreign payment companies, Africa-based Perfect Money and US-based Payoneer, have suspended their international payment services for Myanmar users starting this month. These services are widely used by online income earners in Myanmar, including freelancers, traders, and content creators on platforms like social media and video-sharing sites. Perfect Money has announced that it will no longer allow new accounts to be created using Myanmar addresses, and existing accounts will be closed by November 19. Users will have 30 days to withdraw any remaining balances before account closure. Similarly, Payoneer has banned Myanmar citizens from opening new accounts, and it is unclear whether existing accounts will also be terminated. The situation has made it harder for people, especially content creators who earn money on platforms like TikTok, to access their income.
Humanitarian Affairs
- UN warned imminent famine in Rakhine State
The United Nations issued a warning on November 7 about the worsening humanitarian crisis in Rakhine State, stating that the ongoing fighting has severely impacted trade and agricultural production, leading to an impending famine. According to a report from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), “Rakhine’s economy has stalled,” and the region is facing significant challenges. The report highlighted that, if the current food crisis is not addressed, famine could strike by mid-2025, with an estimated two million people at risk of starvation. The combination of restricted goods flow, ongoing conflict, and a lack of income has exacerbated the situation. Additionally, the region is experiencing “inflation” and a “significant reduction in food production capacity,” further deepening the crisis. In late 2023, the Arakan Army (AA) and its allies launched a major offensive Operation 1027 capturing several military council camps. Fighting in Rakhine State intensified on November 13, when the AA began attacking Rathe Taung and Minbya townships. Like other conflict zones, civilians in Rakhine State are facing looting, displacement, and violence, with many fleeing their homes at great personal cost.
- Over 3000 locals fled due to the ongoing conflict in Taungoo
Residents from Bago Region told RFA that over 3,000 local residents, including those from Ai Zauk village, have been forced to flee their homes due to the ongoing clashes between the regime’s troops and the PDFs in Taungoo Township. The fighting in Ai Zauk village, where the regime’s troops were stationed, began on November 8 and is reported to be continuing. Local villagers from surrounding areas have also fled to safer locations, including nearby towns and villages. An IDP, who requested anonymity for safety reasons, told RFA that more than 500 people are currently seeking refuge in monasteries in Taungoo and are in need of food, shelter and clothing.
Attacks on the Junta’s Lackeys & Assets
- Detained census conductors released by PDF in Tanintharyi Region
On October 9, nine people conducting a census in Thayetchaung Township, Tanintharyi Region, were detained by local resistance forces. Among them were a headmaster, several teachers, and ward administration staff. On November 1, it was announced that all detainees had been released unharmed. The census, conducted by the regime, took place in the township from October 1 to October 31.
- Minor explosion at Naypyitaw Airport on day of Min Aung Hlaing trip
On November 5, an explosion occurred at Naypyitaw Airport, coinciding with coup leader Min Aung Hlaing’s departure to China. It remains unclear if the blast happened before or after his departure. Pro-regime sources confirmed the incident, and Naypyitaw PDF claimed responsibility, stating there were casualties.
- Mawbi Airbase and EPC office targeted in Yangon
In the early hours of November 9, two loud explosions were reported near the junta’s airbase in Mawbi Township, Yangon, following an attack with four electric rockets by Yangon-based resistance groups. Damages remain undisclosed. The night before, regime soldiers guarding the Electricity Power Corporation (EPC) office in North Oakkalpa Township were attacked with grenades, reportedly resulting in casualties.
Arbitrary Arrests, Killings & Violence
- Regime’s airstrikes killed and injured civilians in Naungcho tsp, Shan State
On November 1, multiple airstrikes were launched by regime forces in Naungcho Township, Shan State, under TNLA control. Six bombs were dropped on Sanma Sal Village, located 14 miles south of Naungcho on the Mandalay-Mogok road, killing a new mother, a 70-year-old man, and a 50-year-old man. Six others, including two monks, sustained injuries.
- Family of NUG education officer murdered in Sagaing Region
On November 4, a horrific incident occurred in Ta Pone Village, Kani Township, Sagaing Region, where U Win Htay, an NUG education officer, his wife Daw Cheint Cheint Thae Wai, and their three-month-old daughter were murdered in their sleep. The family was found with sword wounds, with the infant having a fatal cut on her throat. The identity of the perpetrators is currently unknown, and the NUG has pledged to investigate.
- Regime’s airstrike on religious ceremony killed and injured civilians in Pale tsp, Sagaing Region
On November 5, regime forces launched an airstrike during a religious donation ceremony in Ainema Village, Pale Township, Sagaing Region, killing four people and injuring five. The attack occurred around 3:15 pm while villagers were gathered for the event. Among the casualties were a 1-year-old boy and an 80-year-old man, and five homes were destroyed. Some believe the regime mistakenly associated the gathering with PDF activities.
- School and church bombed in Mindat, Chin State
On November 6, the regime conducted an airstrike on Nhonebon Village in Mindat Township, Chin State, destroying at least 10 structures, including a school and a church. The area, inhabited only by locals and displaced people, saw a 500-lb bomb dropped nearby. There were no reported battles in the vicinity.
- Dozens of civilians abducted in Tada-U, Mandalay
On November 10, regime forces reportedly detained about 70 civilians, including women, in Tada-U Township, Mandalay. Civilians were randomly taken, tied, and removed by soldiers, with sources suggesting they may be sent for military training. The operation was led by Major Than Naing Oo.
Armed Resistance
- KIA & PDF captured two regime stations in Homalin tsp, Kachin State
On November 3, joint forces of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and People’s Defense Force (PDF) captured two regime-controlled stations in Homalin Township, Sagaing Region. Positioned across from Salzin Village, Hpakant Township in Kachin State, the stations were controlled by the regime and the Shanni National Army (SNA), with 200 troops reportedly set to be deployed there. The battle to take the stations lasted nearly a month, and casualty details remain unconfirmed.
- Resistance forces intensified offensive in Thantlang, Chin State
Reports indicate that resistance forces have intensified efforts to capture Thantlang Town in Chin State. The offensive, which began in July, focuses on regime outposts along the Hakha-Thantlang road. Since October 25, over 200 regime troops were deployed to Thantlang, and airstrikes began on November 2. Clashes are also escalating in Mindat Township between regime forces and the Chin Defense Force (CDF) since November 9.
- Regime escalated efforts to regain station near Pyin Oo Lwin
Heavy clashes erupted in Naungcho Township bordering Pyin Oo Lwin Town as regime forces intensified efforts to regain control of Gantkaw Village, a strategic defense point. The regime lost the station there on October 28 and has been attempting to retake it. Aerial strikes on November 7 destroyed several homes, and ground forces advanced the following day, battling TNLA-led resistance troops.
- KIA, PDF and ABSDF on brink of capturing Indaw, Sagaing Region
Allied resistance forces, including the KIA, PDF, and ABSDF, are nearing control of the last regime stations in Indaw Township on the Sagaing-Kachin border. Since August, they have seized key locations, including the police station and government buildings. Fighting resumed on November 1 to capture the remaining strongholds, where over 200 regime troops defend the highest hill in the township.
- AA closing in on Western Military Command in Ann, Rakhine
The Arakan Army (AA) is reportedly advancing on the regime’s Western Military Command in Ann Township, Rakhine State. On November 6, the AA seized the regime’s weapon depot and Unit 371 battalion. Artillery fire from the AA ignited buildings within the regional command, with further fighting reported near the Ann airport.
Sources: Myanmar Now, RFA Burmese, Mizzima News, Khit Thit Media
