January 1
The regime has announced the promulgation of a new cybersecurity law. The new cybersecurity law, consisting of 16 chapters and 88 sections, is a law with many sections designed to oppress users rather than serve the public good.
The National Unity Government (NUG) has announced the amnesty of 169 prisoners and detainees held for crimes in various prisons in areas under its control.
Duwa Lashila, the interim president of the NUG urged for the return of ministers and government officials who are currently abroad to return to Myanmar, in his New Year’s address.
January 2
Indian news reports say that the construction of a nearly six-mile-long India-Myanmar border fence project in Moreh, Manipur, India, has been completed.
The Central Bank of the regime sold more than 2.4 million Thai baht for 25 million US dollars. The Central Bank sold around 2.5 million US dollars at a rate of 3,588 kyats per dollar, and around 2.5 million Thai baht at an exchange rate of 129.90 kyats per Thai baht, according to the Central Bank.
January 3
Myanmar artists and activists in the United States have joined forces to protest China’s interference in Myanmar’s internal affairs in front of the Chinese Embassy in Washington, DC.
January 4
The regime issued an order, granting amnesty to 5,864 prisoners and detainees held across the country to commemorate the 77th anniversary of independence. Included was the NLD’s Kachin Regional Minister Dr. Khet Aung.
Min Aung Hlaing pledged to continue working to hold an orderly, fair, and dignified general election and to hand over state responsibilities to the government that emerges from the election. He made the remarks in a message sent to mark Independence Day.
The National Unity Government (NUG) and the Ministry of Defense announced that ethnic armed groups and the People’s Defense Forces (PDF) have taken control of 144 townships across the country.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called on Independence Day for an end to violence in Myanmar and the release of those who have been unjustly detained.
January 5
The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) has declared January 5, 2024, the day it finally captured the Laukkai military base in northern Shan State during Operation 1027, as Restoration Day.
January 6
The US Department of Industry and Security has added MyTel, a telecommunications operator owned by a Myanmar military-owned conglomerate, to a sanctions list.
All six Russian-made Su-30 SME fighter jets ordered by Myanmar have been delivered to the country, according to the Army Recognition Group, which reports on global military news.
January 7
NUG Chief Minister Mahn Win Khaing Than urged the National Unity Government (NUG) to implement reforms quickly by 2025 at a NUG cabinet meeting.
The regime leaders, who are targeting civilians, do not yet have a policy to peacefully resolve political issues through dialogue, Arakan Army (AA) spokesman Khaing Thukha told DVB.
January 8
The village of Kyauk Ni Maw on Rambre Island, the beginning of the China-Myanmar natural gas pipeline was bombed by the regime’s jets killing 41 people and injuring many others, including children.
The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the Kachin Provincial Defense Force (KPDF) have taken full control of Mansi town, near the China-Myanmar border in the southern tip of Kachin State, after a month-long battle.
January 9
Burma Campaign UK welcomed a decision by the USA to sanction Mytel, and urged the EU and UK to follow the same.
January 10
The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) has announced that the current time is a good time for the ethnic revolutionary forces and spring revolution forces, which are fighting against the military council, to accelerate their revolution and achieve victory.
Locals said that the regime leader sent a message on the 77th anniversary of Kachin State Day, which was led by the military council, to organize political negotiations to resolve political issues.
January 12
Palaung State Liberation Front (PSLF/TNLA) Chairman Lt. Gen. Tar Aik Bong has warned that the security measures put in place during the fighting will be strictly adhered to as the revolutionary organizations will intensify their military operations in 2025. He made the remarks in a speech to mark the 62nd anniversary of the Ta’ang National Revolution Day.
Rakhine-Bangladesh trade resumes, goods shipped directly from Maungdaw. A cargo boat departing from Maungdaw, Rakhine State, which is under the control of the Arakan Army (AA), arrived at the Teknaf port in Bangladesh and unloaded its cargo, according to the Bangladesh-based Dhaka Tribune.
January 14
The seven ethnic armed organizations (7 EAO Alliance) have announced that they have discussed the need for inclusive political dialogue and the expansion of the domestic political framework.
January 15
In a message sent on Kayah State Day, military leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said that some foreign countries are directly or indirectly encouraging armed attacks in the internal conflict.
Following the revelations of Chinese nationals being lured and forced into money laundering operations in Myanmar, which borders Thailand, the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) and the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF) met with Chinese businessmen in Myawaddy Township, Karen State, and the two Karen forces held urgent discussions on human trafficking, money laundering, and cross-border criminal activities.
January 16
The South Korean Ministry of Justice announced that it will extend the visas of Myanmar citizens whose passports have expired in South Korea. The statement also said that the order for Myanmar citizens to leave South Korea has been postponed until the situation in Myanmar stabilizes.
Representatives from the regime and the Kokang National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) held their second peace talks in Kunming, China.
January 17
The Indian Embassy in Myanmar, based in Yangon, reported that Indian Ambassador to Myanmar Abhay Thakur visited Sittwe to review the work being done on the Kaladan project being carried out by the Indian government in Rakhine State.
January 19
Othman Hashim has been appointed as ASEAN’s new special representative for Myanmar, the Malaysian foreign minister has said. Othman will be ASEAN’s fifth special representative for Myanmar since the military coup.
January 20
Reuters reported, citing the Chinese Foreign Ministry, that the regime and the Kokang National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) have signed a ceasefire agreement. The details of what they agreed on were not disclosed.
January 21
The acting president of the National Unity Government (NUG), Duwa Lashila, has said that ASEAN member states welcome the regime’s call for an immediate ceasefire and the start of talks, rather than prioritizing elections.
Military newspapers reported that the development of the special economic zone in southern Myanmar was discussed during a meeting between the Tanintharyi Region Chief Minister and the Russian Ambassador.
January 22
The TNLA reported that eight civilians were killed in an airstrike by the military council on Naung Cho town in northern Shan State, an area controlled by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), at around 11 a.m., the TNLA said.
January 23
The regime has approved a restriction in the Civil Service Regulations that prohibits all young men who are healthy and of age to serve in the military from traveling abroad without permission.
January 24
Media controlled by the regime reported that political parties discussed the proposal to increase the number of military personnel at a meeting with the military council’s the National Solidarity and Peace-Making Negotiation Committee (NSPNC).
The head of the Independent Investigative Mechanism on Myanmar (IIMM), a UN investigative mechanism, said that it will investigate all perpetrators of serious crimes, regardless of race, religion, or political affiliation.
January 31
Timeline Heading
In a speech marking the 76th anniversary of the Karen National Union (KNU), Chairman Padoh Saw Kwe Htoo Win said that the KNU will continue to oppose the regime’s election that is staged to ensure its continued power and international recognition.
