May 1
The Permanent Secretary of the regime’s Ministry of Labor confirmed to Myanmar Now that the ban on the right of men to work abroad has been effective on May 1. Employment agencies said the restriction would be applicable to PJ type passport holders.
May 2
The Thai police detained 74 Myanmar immigrant workers for illegal entry into the Tak district. These individuals had crossed the border through Myawaddy with the intention of seeking employment in Phuket. Approximately 20 of them were women. According to reports, they had paid agents between 25,000 THB to 30,000 THB (approximately 800 USD) for their passage.
May 3
World Press Freedom Day, Human Rights Watch and its collaborators unveiled the recipients of the 2024 Human Rights Press Awards, recognizing exceptional reporting on human rights matters throughout the world. This year, a new category, “newsrooms in exile,” was introduced. Among the winners in this category was Frontier Myanmar, acknowledged for its comprehensive coverage shedding light on how Myanmar’s military, influenced by Buddhist nationalism, has targeted the Bayingyi, a Roman Catholic minority.
May 4
Residents in Rakhine State reported to Khit Thit News about a fierce clash between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army near Ohnmaw Mountain, approximately 18 miles from Thandwe. Nearby civilians reported that heavy weapons were used in the battle between the AA and the junta’s soldiers.
May 5
On the third anniversary of the establishment of the People’s Defense Forces (PDF), the National Unity Government’s (NUG) Defense Minister, U Yee Mon, declared that the people’s government had gain control of some territory where it dismantled the regime’s administration and implemented their own government, and commended the PDFs. He also noted that up to two-thirds of the junta’s principal attacking force had been neutralized through the armed resistance efforts. U Than Tun, an Executive Committee Member of the National League for Democracy (NLD), was reportedly beaten to death by regime soldiers at an interrogation center. The 55-year-old was arrested from his home on May 5 due to alleged association with the People’s Defense Force (PDF) in Mayankwin Village, Ngapudaw Township, Ayeyarwady Region.
May 6
The AA released video footage showing hundreds of regime troops surrendering to them after a month-long siege on the Military Operations Command 15. Following 12 days of intensified attacks by the AA, the surrender occurred on May 2. Approximately 500 soldiers, including Muslims, were captured on camera entering AA territory unarmed. Among them was the deputy commander. This victory enabled the AA to bolster its control along the border with Bangladesh.
May 7
The military council has rebuffed former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen’s plea for a video call meeting with detained State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in Nay Pyi Taw. Hun Sen, the current chairman of the Cambodian Senate, appealed to the coup leader Min Aung Hlaing for permission to engage in a one-hour video call with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. However, General Zaw Min Tun, spokesperson for the regime, conveyed on state television that there is presently no rationale to permit such a meeting between Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and Hun Sen. The NUG issued an official statement announcing that a coalition of resistance forces under its command had successfully captured Myothit Town in Tamu Township, Sagaing Region. The victory was achieved on May 7 after a five-hour-long battle, during which 21 regime police surrendered to the resistance forces.
May 8
Khaing Thukha, spokesperson for the AA, issued a statement, accusing the military council, along with ARSA, ARA, and RSO, of deceitfully enlisting young Muslim individuals from refugee camps in Bangladesh. It was claimed that IDP camps in Bangladesh were mobilizing Muslim youths under the guise of the AA on behalf of the military council. Recent reports indicate that ARSA, ARA and RSO recruited at least 500 individuals from Muslim refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar district for the military council. A report by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) revealed that the military council is actively recruiting Rohingya individuals and providing them with military training. According to the USIP document, a 22-year-old Rohingya youth forcibly recruited by the military expressed a commitment to waging a “Jihad” as guided by Prophet Muhammad, emphasizing the religious aspect of the conflict.
May 9
Two young members of the Octopus Youth Organization were beaten and arrested by the regime’s forces in Yangon. One member, an admin staff, was apprehended on her way back from downtown, while another member was detained at her hostel at midnight. Both arrests involved violent conduct. The detained individuals, aged between 21 to 27, along with their family members and personal contacts, have been reportedly detained.
May 10
An attack targeted the junta’s Central Intelligence Department (CID) office situated in Ywarma East Ward, Insein Township, Yangon. Urban guerrilla rangers launched two grenades toward the office, resulting in an explosion at the entrance gate. Speculations suggest that at least three police officers were killed, with potentially several others sustaining injuries in the incident.
May 11
Soldiers and their families have been alerted by the coup leader Min Aung Hlaing for readiness for any eventuality during a meeting with military families in Kyaing Tong Ward, Shan State. In his speech, he repeatedly stressed the importance of being prepared for war. This warning came as the military council faces increasing losses in recent battles, with some battalions, including their families, surrendering or being captured.
May 12
Thailand appoints a person with family interests in Myanmar as Foreign Minister. During Thailand’s recent cabinet reshuffle, Maris Sangiampongsa, a former ambassador to Australia and Canada, was appointed as the new foreign minister. Maris’ son, Chian Kulachet Sangiampongsa, holds business ties in Myanmar as a director of Hlaing Sang Company in Yangon alongside “Eddie” Than Swe.
May 13
KIA Commander-in-Chief Lt. Gen. Khong Loon passed away in the evening after a prolonged battle with liver disease. Colonel Naw Bu, head of KIA information, confirmed the news, stating, “He died at our headquarters around 6:23 p.m. after a long struggle with liver disease, having been hospitalized three to four times for treatment.”
May 14
Japan’s, Deputy Minister of Foreign Ministry Mr. Komura Masahiro announced that the ministry met with a Myanmar delegation consisting of various ethnic groups, including the Karen National Union (KNU), Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), and Chin National Front (CNF). The discussion involved NUG Health and Education Minister Dr. Zaw Wai Soe, KNU President Pado Saw Kwe Htoo Win, and Karenni Administrative Council (IEC) Chairman Khu Oo-Yal, along with representatives from KNPP and CNF, including General Secretary Salai Tala Hay. The Ministry of Labor of the NUG revealed that it has blacklisted 17 foreign employment service companies for their collaboration with the regime and commission of labor rights violations. These companies are accused of charging excessive service fees from migrant workers, failing to send workers to their workplaces, and neglecting to address labor rights violations promptly.
May 15
Alounkeo Kittikhoun, the Special Representative of the current ASEAN Chairman for Myanmar, visited Myanmar and held discussions with junta chief Min Aung Hlaing, as reported by the regime. The meeting aimed to explore ASEAN-Myanmar cooperation, particularly in peacefully resolving the current situation in Myanmar. Humanitarian aid issues were also on the agenda, with the regime outlining preparations for upcoming elections to uphold the path of democracy.
May 16
Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahumud, suggested that UNHCR collaborate with India and China to facilitate the repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Bangladesh. He made this statement following a meeting with Sumbul Rizvi, the UNHCR representative for Bangladesh. Highlighting Myanmar’s long-standing armed conflict, Minister Hasan Mahumud emphasized the necessity of effective international pressure for Rohingya repatriation.
May 17
The military council is preparing to restart the long-suspended Ayeyarwaddy Myitsone hydropower projects, including the Myitsone project. An 11-member steering group for the Irrawaddy Confluence-Myitnya River Basin Hydropower Project was formed on April 24, as announced in the regime’s news. The group, led by U Aye Kyaw, Deputy Minister of Electricity, will negotiate with the Chinese government and other stakeholders involved in the project. The newly formed team is collaborating with SPIC Yunnan International Power Investment Co., Ltd (SPICYN) based in Kunming, China.
May 18
Around noon, the AA reportedly seized control of all remaining regime stations in Buthidaung Township, Rakhine State. This development signified that the AA now effectively governs the entire Buthidaung Township. Starting at 5 am on May 18, the combined forces of the PDF and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) launched an offensive on ten regime stations located in Waingmaw Township, Kachin State. Five of these stations were brought under the control of the resistance forces, with ongoing fighting in the remaining stations.
May 19
Multiple reports erupted on social media that Buthidaung town had been burned and Rohingya residents were trapped. While independent verification was almost impossible due to internet shutdown, Rohingya activists who were in contact with some Buthidaung residents alleged that the AA torched the town after gaining control on the previous day. However, AA denied the accusation and blamed it on the regime. Industrial zone operators reported that starting May 19, the military council reduced electricity supply to industrial zones nationwide from four hours a day to just two. This reduction is due to the current electricity production situation, particularly affecting Yangon.
May 20
Justice For Myanmar revealed that India is providing military support, including technology and training, to the Myanmar military group despite its repeated violations of international human rights and humanitarian laws.
May 21
The regime conducted an airstrike targeting crowds in Paletwa Township, Chin State, resulting in five deaths and ten injuries among civilians. A fighter jet dropped bombs three times on Tarunaing (Ywarthit) Village, located north of Paletwa Town and controlled by the AA. The attack killed five civilians while ten others, including children, were injured, with eight reported to be in critical condition. Five resistance rangers from the “Taw Twin Toot Pi” force arrested at least ten people from the regime’s immigration office around 5 pm. During the arrest, the rangers encountered regime soldiers, leading to a 30-minute exchange of fire. The confrontation resulted in five deaths: two members of the PDF and three regime staff.
May 22
Justice for Myanmar disclosed that business groups linked to the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF), now renamed the Karen National Army (KNA), are operating in Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Cambodia, and through companies from China and Hong Kong. The statement said that these groups are deeply involved in illegal activities and have close ties to individuals and interests in these regions, including Thailand’s EXIM Bank. Thai banks such as Krung Thai Bank, Kasikorn Bank, and Bangkok Bank are also implicated.
May 23
In Geneva, spokesperson of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Elizabeth Throssell, informed reporters that approximately 45,000 Rohingya have fled their homes in response to the ongoing fighting in Rakhine State. Displaced Rohingya, compelled to leave due to military conflicts in Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships, have sought refuge in areas near the Naf River along the Bangladesh border.
May 24
The Ta’ang Education Council (TLEC), in collaboration with the NUG’s Ministry of Education, is preparing to open nearly 500 schools in northern Shan State for the 2024 academic year, TLEC Director Nai Hein Nyu told RFA Burmese. Last year, TLEC successfully opened 381 schools, and this year, they plan to increase that number by over 100. Schools will be established in various areas, including Namkham, which was under the control of the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) after Operation 1027, as well as Kut Khaing, Nammatu, Menton, Namsan, and Mine Long. The Bangkok Post reported that Thailand is working diligently to resolve conflicts in Myanmar and restore peace, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Speaking at the Conference on the Future of Asia in Tokyo, Thavisin emphasized his efforts to collaborate with ASEAN member countries interested in Myanmar’s situation, including Laos, the current ASEAN chair. He also highlighted the provision of humanitarian aid to refugees along the Thai-Myanmar border and expressed a desire for Myanmar to return to the path of democracy.
May 26
News surfaced on the social media that the junta’s Y-12 aircraft that was bombing the civilians and resistance forces had crashed near Khetcho Village, Winemaw Township, Kachin State. The KIA spokesperson, Colonel Naw Bu, later confirmed the news.
May 27
The State Administration Council (SAC) retired the Union Minister Aung Naing Oo and Finance Deputy Minister Maung Maung Win. Both officials, formerly with the NLD, supported SAC during the coup, with Aung Naing Oo notably advocating for the military in international economic forums.
May 28
Interim President Duwah Lashila of the NUG urged learning from the past mistakes and adhering to peaceful coexistence regarding the Rohingya issue in Rakhine State. His statement was made during the NUG’s 16/2024 cabinet meeting.
May 29
The Yangon business community warns of the Kyat possibly depreciating to 5,000 per US dollar soon due to the increased spending for the Ministry of Defense by the junta. Although specific ministry expenditures for 2024-2025 have not been disclosed, junta leader Min Aung Hlaing emphasized prioritizing spending on national stability and law enforcement during a recent Finance Commission meeting.
May 30
Residents of Yangon and Mandalay reported they could no longer access VPNs or Facebook. A Yangon internet provider confirmed it blocked VPNs using Chinese software, leading to numerous complaints about non-functioning VPNs among social media users in Myanmar.
