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Two journalists, including DVB CJ, killed by military during raid in Mon State

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Win Htut Oo, 28, was a citizen journalist working with DVB. He was killed during a raid on the home of another journalist, Htet Myat Thu, in Kyaikto Township on Aug. 21.

Win Htut Oo, a citizen journalist (CJ) working for DVB, and Htet Myat Thu, a freelance journalist, along with two members of a local armed resistance group were killed during a raid carried out by the military on a home in Mon State’s Kyaikto Township on Thursday. 

“Win Htut Oo and one of the members of the Kyaikto Revolutionary Force were injured [during the raid]. The troops forced Htet Myat Thu and another [KRF member] to kneel down with their hands tied behind their backs,” a family member who witnessed the raid recounted to DVB.

Pro-military groups shared reports shortly afterwards claiming that Win Htut Oo, 26, and Htet Myat Thu, 28, were members of the local armed group and not journalists as they purported to be. The two were close friends who studied journalism together, according to the family member.

“Win Htut Oo covered news from southern Myanmar for DVB in accordance with media ethical standards and codes of conduct. He always tried to include voices from the resistance in his reporting,’ said Aung Kyaw, the DVB CJ Network Coordinator.

The military regime, which seized power after the 2021 coup, issued an arrest warrant for Win Htut Oo under Sec. 505 (A) of the Penal Code in 2021. Htet Myat Thu was wounded and arrested during a military crackdown on anti-coup protests in March 2021. 

DVB tried contacting military spokesperson Zaw Min Tun for comment but didn’t receive a response. DVB condemns any attack on media workers in Myanmar and calls for an immediate investigation into the death of Win Htut Oo and Htet Myat Thu.

UN reports nearly 700 landmine victims in first half of 2024

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Landmine victim Zaw Lun has been living at an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp outside of Laiza, Kachin State for more than 10 years. (Credit: DVB)

The U.N. International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF Myanmar) has documented that 692 civilians have been killed or injured by landmines and other explosive remnants of war (ERW) nationwide in the first six months of 2024. 

This is an increase of more than 66 percent compared to the previous year, according to the UNICEF Myanmar report. It added that 32 percent of the victims have been children. Shan State has the highest number of civilian casualties with 117, accounting for 24 percent of Myanmar’s total. 

“The use of landmines is one of the human rights violations against people in our Shan State. I suggest to respective armed groups that landmines should be used judiciously,” Ying Leng Harn, a spokesperson at the Shan Human Rights Foundation (SHRF), told DVB. 

A reported 1,052 people were affected by landmines and ERW in 2023. Sagaing Region has the second highest number of civilian casualties with a total of 69 incidents causing 19 deaths and 99 injuries. A Yinmabin resident told DVB that a civilian was killed after stepping on a landmine planted by the People’s Defense Force (PDF) on a street. 

“We have to be aware of roads that are mostly used by the military forces as the resistance might attack. We have to avoid those places where landmines were possibly planted,” he said. Residents called on the PDF and other resistance groups to warn the public about where it plants landmines, so they can avoid mined areas. 

Arakan State had the third highest number of casualties from landmines and ERW, with 15 deaths and 67 injuries. A total of 325 casualties occurred in Ayeyarwady, Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Naypyidaw, Tanintharyi and Yangon regions as well as Kachin, Chin, Karenni, Karen and Mon states.

“Even if the revolution succeeds, these landmines won’t just disappear on their own. They’ll still be there, posing a threat to the people. I’ll keep searching for and clearing these mines,” Phoe Zaw, a volunteer landmine hunter in Karenni State, told DVB.

Brotherhood Alliance claims control over Hsipaw, Shan State; Tensions rise in Chinland following peace talks

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Ta’ang National Liberation Army troops patrol the streets of Hsipaw, in northern Shan State, on Aug. 15. (Credit: TNLA)

Brotherhood Alliance claims control over Hsipaw, Shan State

The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) told DVB on Wednesday that it is continuing its attack on the military’s Light Infantry Battalions (LIB) 23, 503, and 504, but that it controls all administrative offices in Hsipaw, located in northern Shan State 46 miles (74 km) south of Lashio, which came under the control of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) on Aug. 3. 

“The military conducted retaliatory airstrikes over the residential areas as they lost the town,” Lwe Ye Oo, the TNLA spokesperson, told DVB. The TNLA stated on Tuesday that 14 civilians have been killed and 42 others have been injured due to retaliatory airstrikes and artillery attacks carried out by the military on Hsipaw since Aug. 1. 

Hsipaw is located on a vital trade route that connects Mandalay, Burma’s second largest city, to the border of China. Fighting between the TNLA and military in Hsipaw began on Aug. 10. The TNLA is a member of the Brotherhood Alliance, which includes the MNDAA and the Arakan Army (AA), which has been fighting for control of Arakan State since Nov. 13.

Tensions rise in Chinland following peace talks

The Chinland Defense Force (CDF) Tonzang stated that it has sealed off 18 homes in Tonzang Township, located in northern Chinland. It claims that the owners are top leaders, members, or supporters of the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA), an ethnic armed group active in the area.

“The homes of ZRA troops and their supporters have been sealed off in order to ensure smooth administration and maintain security in the town,” a CDF spokesperson told DVB. The ZRA fought alongside the military to capture two CDF outposts in 2023 and two CDF members were killed.

The CDF and the Chin National Army (CNA/CNF) captured all military outposts in Tonzang on May 20. The ZRA and CNA/CNF held peace talks in India’s Mizoram State on July 27. Both sides agreed to cease hostilities and hold meetings in the future to maintain peace in northern Chinland.

China’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi with UN Special Envoy Julie Bishop in Beijing on Aug. 20. (Credit: China MOFA)

Chinese foreign minister meets UN Special Envoy

China’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi met with Julie Bishop, the U.N. Special Envoy on Burma, in Beijing on Tuesday. Chinese state media reported that Wang Yi told Bishop that: “China is willing to play a constructive role in helping Myanmar achieve peace and reconciliation.”

It added that Beijing was safeguarding Burma’s “independence, sovereignty, national unity and territorial integrity.” This echoes similar remarks made during a meeting between Wang Yi and Min Aung Hlaing in Naypyidaw on Aug. 14. Bishop reportedly said that she supports working with both China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to solve Burma’s crisis.

Bishop was appointed to the role of U.N. Special Envoy by Secretary-General António Guterres in April. Her predecessor Noeleen Heyzer left the post after 20 months in June 2023. Heyzer discussed Burma’s crisis, which has unfolded since the 2021 military coup, with China’s then-Minister of Foreign Affairs Qin Gang in May 2023. 

News by Region

CHINLAND—The Zotung Federal Council is operating nearly 50 schools with around 4,700 students in Rezua town. At least 360 teachers are employed at the schools. Rezua was occupied by Chin resistance forces in November 2023, and the council took over its administration. Telecommunications have been cut off to the town. 

“This area has become a liberated zone, providing more freedom and comfort compared to previous years. This has made it easier to open schools and run educational programs,” a spokesperson for the council told DVB. The Zotung Federal Council was established as a civilian-run administration of the Chin Zotung nationality in central and southern Chinland in 2022.

MANDALAY—The Natogyi People’s Defense Force (PDF) claimed control of the Tada-U Air Defense Force base in Tada-U Township, 13 miles (21 km) from Mandalay International Airport, on Tuesday. The PDF told DVB that there was no fight with the military over control of the base and that it seized all weapons left behind.

“We heard that there were around 20 military personnel [inside the base] but all of them had fled [before our arrival],” a PDF spokesperson told DVB. The PDF has told residents not to use roads in the townships until the offensive is completed.

Two civilians were killed and at least five people, including a Buddhist monk, were injured by airstrikes in Kunohm village of Natogyi Township on Tuesday. “Displaced people are sheltering at the monastery. The aircraft dropped two bombs and fired several rounds of shots, killing two civilians instantly,” said a PDF spokesperson.  

Homes and religious buildings inside the monastery’s compound were destroyed, according to residents. Most had already fled Kunohm village during fighting with the military, which began when the PDF launched an offensive called “Myingyan District Special Operation” in Natogyi, Myingyan and Taungtha townships, in southern Mandalay Region, on Aug. 10.

Read: An LGBTQIA+ Myanmar perspective on marriage equality in Thailand. DVB English News is on X, FB, IG, Threads & TikTok. Subscribe on YouTube. Find us on YouTube Music.

Nearly 3.3 million people displaced nationwide; Documentary filmmaker dies after release from Insein Prison

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Rescue workers assist motorists impacted by flooding in Kengtung, eastern Shan State, on Aug. 13. (Credit: Myanmar Fire Services Department)

Nearly 3.3 million people displaced nationwide

The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) has documented that nearly 3.3 million people have become Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) nationwide. Nearly 400,000 people have also been impacted by flooding caused by heavy rainfall, according to UNOCHA. 

“Across Myanmar, people are facing the painful consequences of widespread conflict and devastating disaster. The spiraling crisis has pushed many people into survival mode,” said Christina Powell, the U.N. humanitarian affairs officer in Myanmar, on Monday. She added that 18.6 million people require emergency assistance on World Humanitarian Day Aug. 19.

Marcoluigi Corsi, the U.N. resident and humanitarian coordinator, and Sajjad Mohammad Sajid, the head of office at UNOCHA Myanmar, met with the regime’s deputy Foreign Minister Lwin Oo in Naypyidaw on Monday. Regime media reported that humanitarian aid deliveries were discussed, as well as visas for foreign nationals employed by the U.N. in Burma.

Arakan Army asked to grant access to northern Arakan State

The Special Advisory Council for Myanmar (SAC-M) released a statement on Monday asking the Arakan Army (AA) to allow humanitarian aid into northern Arakan State, along with international investigators. This request comes after over 200 Rohingya were targeted by artillery and drone attacks in Maungdaw Township near the Bangladesh border on Aug. 5. 

“The ULA/AA has said that it is committed to upholding the human rights of all ethnic and religious communities living in Rakhine. Now it must prove it,” stated SAC-M in a press release. It called on the AA, which launched its most recent offensive against the military in Arakan State on Nov. 13, to act immediately to protect all civilians under international law.  

The AA has denied accusations that it is responsible for the death of civilians in areas under its control. Human rights groups claimed that Rohingya have been targeted by both the military and the AA during fighting in northern Arakan State since May. The SAC-M was founded by former U.N. experts Yanghee Lee, Marzuki Darusman, and Chris Sidoti to support democracy in Burma.

Pe Maung Same smiles while seated inside a Yangon cinema for the 2018 Wathann Film Festival. (Credit: Wathann Film Festival)

Documentary filmmaker dies after release from Insein Prison

Award-winning documentary filmmaker Pe Maung Same, 50, died at a hospital in Yangon on Monday, three days after his release from Insein Prison. He was arrested in Loikaw, Karenni State on May 18, 2022 and later charged under Section 17(1) of the Unlawful Association Act and sentenced to three years in prison. 

“I was told that he was beaten severely for two days in an interrogation center. He was drugged and he didn’t even remember what he had said [to his interrogators]. He was left on the floor and not fed anything during his interrogation. His ribs were broken as a result and his body was unable to move,” the wife of Pe Maung Same recounted to DVB. 

Pe Maung Same was first hospitalized in April. He was transferred from Loikaw Prison to Nyaungshwe Prison in Shan State, then to Insein Prison in Yangon on July 13, where he received treatment until his health condition worsened and he had to be transferred to a private hospital. The son of cartoonist Pe Thein, Pe Maung Same worked at the Yangon Film School. His funeral will be held at the Yayway cemetery in Yangon on Wednesday.

News by Region

ARAKAN—The Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK (BROUK) issued a statement on Tuesday calling on the international community to protect the Rohingya and to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in northern Arakan’s Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships.

“The situation in Rakhine State is a humanitarian catastrophe demanding immediate and sustained international intervention. The Rohingya cannot endure another tragedy while the world remains silent,” said Tun Khin, the BROUK president. He also called on the AA and the military to adhere to international law. 

KACHIN—The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) stated that it seized control of the Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 437 in Momauk Township, located in southern Kachin State, on Monday. Some military personnel from the LIB 437 retreated during the fighting.

“We are currently clearing the base. Their aircraft came and fired upon us,” a KIA source told DVB. Three military vehicles, including an armored truck, were reportedly destroyed following the end of fighting between the KIA and the military in Momauk, which began on July 23.

MANDALAY—Four Chinese nationals and 17 from Burma, who allegedly ran a cyber scam business, were arrested by police at a home in Chanayetharsan Township on Sunday. “They were arrested together with four computers, two laptops, and other IT devices,” a source close to police told DVB. The 21 arrested have been charged under the Electronic Transaction Law and are being held at Chanayetharsan police station.

SAGAING—The military regained control of Tabayin Township, 40 miles (64 km) from the state capital Monywa, on Monday after the People’s Defense Force (PDF) seized it on Sunday. The PDF claimed that it was forced to retreat after retaliatory airstrikes were carried out and reinforcements arrived in the town. 

“We learned that the military airdropped troops from its Bilu column, which is notorious for cruelty. We want to tell the public to be careful,” a PDF spokesperson told DVB. Tabayin residents claimed that around 180 military personnel, including their family members and civil servants, surrendered. The PDF launched its attack on Tabayin Aug. 15.

Freedom from fear is a definitive DVB documentary. Watch it only on DVB English News YouTube. Subscribe to us for more classic English language DVB documentaries.

An LGBTQIA+ Myanmar perspective on marriage equality in Thailand

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CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS
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Guest contributor

Shalini Perumal 

As of 2024, the landscape of LGBTQIA+ rights vary significantly between Thailand and Myanmar, reflecting broader regional attitudes and legal frameworks. For Myanmar LGBTQIA+ living in Thailand, the experience of gay marriage and human rights provide a sharp contrast to the legal and social environment in Myanmar.

Thailand has established itself as a regional leader in LGBTQIA+ rights. The country’s approach to inclusion has been marked by a relatively progressive legal stance and societal acceptance compared to its neighbours.

In 2022, Thailand made headlines with its landmark legislation, the Gender Equality Act, which recognised same-sex partnerships. The introduction of the Civil Partnership Act in 2024 was a significant milestone, allowing same-sex couples to enter into civil partnerships, which provide many of the legal benefits and protections of marriage. 

Although this act did not equate to full marriage equality, it represented a significant step forward in recognising and legitimising same-sex relationships in Thailand.

More recently, in March, Thailand’s Senate passed a landmark same-sex marriage bill with a decisive 130-4 vote, following overwhelming approval from the lower house. This historic decision makes Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia and the second in Asia to officially recognise same-sex relationships.

For Myanmar LGBTQIA+ in Thailand, this progressive stance offers a degree of safety and acceptance often lacking in their home country. Many have found solace and a sense of belonging in Thailand’s relatively open and inclusive society. 

These migrants benefit from legal protections and social acceptance, which are crucial for their well-being and quality of life. The ability to participate in civil partnerships and now marriage allows them to access shared benefits, such as inheritance rights and healthcare access, which are critical for couples navigating life together.

In contrast, Myanmar’s legal framework offers little protection or recognition for the LGBTQIA+ community. As of 2024, Myanmar’s laws regarding LGBTQIA+ rights are restrictive, with no legal recognition of same-sex marriage or civil partnerships. The country’s legal and social attitudes remain conservative, largely influenced by traditional and religious values.

Under Section 377 of Myanmar’s Penal Code, which criminalises consensual same-sex relations, the LGBTQIA+ community face legal risks and social stigma. Although the application of this law can be inconsistent, it creates an environment of fear and marginalisation for the gay community. 

There are no legal avenues for same-sex couples to formalise their relationships, and societal acceptance remains limited. This lack of legal recognition not only affects the personal lives of LGBTQIA+ individuals but also restricts their access to legal rights and protections.

For many LGBTQIA+ from Myanmar, relocating to Thailand represents a search for safety, freedom, and opportunity. The contrast between the progressive environment in Thailand and the restrictive atmosphere in Myanmar indicates the challenges faced by these community members.

In Thailand, they experience a more accepting social climate, access to community support networks, and legal frameworks that offer some level of recognition and protection.

Aung’s story reflects this reality. A 28-year-old Karen migrant, Aung found a new beginning in Thailand after fleeing Myanmar’s restrictive environment and security situation. In Myanmar, Aung faced immense societal pressure and legal threats. Moving to Thailand in 2021, Aung embraced the country’s progressive approach to LGBTQIA+ rights. 

He and his partner, a Thai citizen, registered their civil partnership under Thailand’s Civil Partnership Act, gaining access to essential legal rights and protections. This legal recognition brought Aung a profound sense of security and belonging.

For the first time, he could live openly and plan a future together with his partner, free from fear and discrimination. As Thailand moves toward greater LGBTQIA+ rights with the 2024 equal marriage recognition, Aung remains hopeful of his future.

The transition to life in Thailand, however, is not without its challenges. Migrants often navigate a complex landscape of legal status, employment, and cultural adaptation. While they enjoy greater freedoms compared to Myanmar, they may still face difficulties related to their immigration status or discrimination within the broader society.

Despite these challenges, many Myanmar LGBTQIA+ have found a supportive community in Thailand. They participate actively in advocacy, community organisations, and cultural events, contributing to and benefiting from the country’s progressive stance on LGBTQIA+ rights.

The differences between Thailand and Myanmar highlight significant regional disparities. For LGBTQIA+ from Myanmar, the contrast between Thailand’s inclusive environment and Myanmar’s restrictive laws delineate the importance of continued advocacy for human rights and legal reforms in their home country.

Their experience serves as a reminder of the broader struggle for LGBTQIA+ rights across the region and the ongoing need for global solidarity and support.

Shalini Perumal is a creative international development professional who has worked previously in Mae Sot, Thailand at Mae Tao Clinic. She is currently a freelance journalist as well as Communications Officer at ActionAid India in New Delhi. The views expressed in the article are her own and do not necessarily reflect those of the organisation. 

DVB publishes a diversity of opinions that does not reflect DVB editorial policy. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our stories: [email protected]

Freedom from fear in Myanmar [2010 DVB documentary]

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English Editor
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Freedom from fear is a 2009 documentary film about the lives of those who rose up to demand democracy and an end to dictatorship. The film is directed by Eric Torres.

Definitive DVB Docs is a new series to share classic documentary films made in English by the Democratic Voice of Burma: Freedom from Fear is a 2010 documentary film about the the struggle for human rights, democracy, and freedom in Burma/Myanmar. It goes behind the scenes and into the lives of activists around the world working to promote change and put an end to military dictatorship since the ‘8888 Uprising’ for democracy began on Aug. 8, 1988. Watch it on DVB English News YouTube. Don’t forget to subscribe to us for more classic English language DVB documentaries.

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The Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB) publishes daily independent news and information across Myanmar and around the world by satellite TV and the internet. DVB was founded in 1992 and is registered as a non-profit association in Thailand.

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