Three killed in Thailand during fighting along border in Myanmar
Thai media reported that three Burma nationals living in Thailand’s Phop Phra District, located in Tak Province along the Thai-Burma border, were killed by an explosion from a “suicide” drone that reportedly crossed into Thai air space from Myawaddy Township, Karen State, and detonated on Tuesday. The three killed were reportedly working at a chili plantation and approached the drone after it fell to the ground, right before it exploded.
A “suicide” drone is an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) that detonates upon contact. A resident of Myawaddy told DVB that around 200 civilians living along the border fled their homes and crossed into Thailand due to a renewed attack by the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) on the regime’s Wawlay outpost, located 44 miles (70 km) south of Myawaddy, on June 2. The KNLA resumed attacks on the regime outpost in March.
Four migrants from Burma and two Thais were injured by stray bullets in Tak Province’s Mae Sot District on March 31. Mae Sot residents told Thai media that three of the four injured Burma migrants were “heavily wounded” while the two Thais received “minor” injuries. All were taken to the Mae Sot Hospital. Myawaddy is located along the border adjacent to Tak Province 81 miles (130 km) east of the Karen State capital Hpa-An.
‘81 for 81’ challenge for Aung San Suu Kyi’s 81st birthday
Jailed State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi’s son, Kim Aris, is launching an “81 for 81” challenge calling on participants to walk, cycle or run, in support of his mother’s 81st birthday on June 19. Aris invited anyone to participate in the campaign by setting up their own “81 for 81” challenge in solidarity by running 81 km, cycling 81 miles, or taking 81,000 steps. He has pledged to skateboard 81 kilometers in one single day.
“The military junta claims to have moved her from one undisclosed location to another, but this is not freedom,” Kim Aris shared in a video to social media on May 29. “More than five years after the military coup, the world still has no independently verified proof that she is even alive,” he added. The “81 for 81” campaign is a part of the “Global Proof of Life challenge” that takes place June 1-19, according to Aris.
Aung San Suu Kyi is serving 18 years in prison after receiving several sentence reductions since being convicted on several charges, including corruption and violating state secrets, in 2022. Aris has not spoken to his mother since she was detained during the military coup on Feb. 1, 2021. Aris launched a “proof of life” campaign calling on the regime to provide evidence that Aung San Suu Kyi is alive following the April 17 amnesty. Read more
NUG in Canada to gain support for new federal steering committee
During her first visit to Canada since the 2021 military coup, the National Unity Government (NUG) Foreign Minister Zin Mar Aung laid out the strategic purpose of the newly formed Steering Council for the Emergence of a Federal Democratic Union (SCEF) and firmly dismissed rumors that it was established to negotiate with the regime in Naypyidaw.
The visit is part of a diplomatic blitz introducing the SCEF in capitals around the world. The SCEF was established on March 30 as a joint political and military coordination body designed to end military rule. NUG Foreign Minister Zin Mar Aung told DVB in an interview on May 29 that the primary goal of her delegation’s visit is to sustain the Canadian government’s attention on Burma amid competing global crises.
“Canada is a traditional supporter of the democratic movement and has a program to support the federalization process and local governance in Myanmar,” she said. “Many countries are withdrawing their international aid… so our trip as the SCEF is to continue to get the attention and support of the Canadian government, and to engage with and listen to our Myanmar diaspora.” Read more
News by Region
AYEYARWADY—Six families in Bogale and Pyapon townships told DVB that their male relatives were reportedly redeployed to frontline positions in Arakan State instead of being discharged after completing two years of military service under the conscription law, which was enforced on Feb. 10, 2024.
“Even if we go to inquire with military officials about their situation, no action is taken,” a family member of one of the males redeployed told DVB. The regime has conscripted nearly 120,000 males aged 18-35 in 24 batches. Sources told DVB that only around 12 per cent have been allowed to return home after completing their service.
ARAKAN—Residents in Ramree Township told DVB that two civilians were killed and five others were injured by airstrikes carried out by the Burma Air Force on temporary shelters on Monday. Ramree, located 278 miles (447 km) south of the state capital Sittwe, was seized by the Arakan Army (AA) in March 2024.
A Ramree resident told DVB that the airstrikes followed an attack that killed three workers and injured seven others on May 28. The airstrikes have targeted civilian areas along the road connecting Ramree to Kyaukphyu Township, where the AA has been engaged in fighting against regime forces.
NAYPYIDAW—The Ministry of Commerce announced that it will allow vehicle owners to deregister their vehicles manufactured in 2006 in order to import an electric vehicle (EV) at a price equivalent to its value. The regime states that this will reduce fuel consumption, improve road safety, and minimize pollution.
The regime’s Road Transport Administration Department (RTAD) states there are up to 200,000 vehicles on the road in Burma that were manufactured in 2006, which have been recognized by the ministry as replaceable. China’s MG and BYD make up about 90 per cent of all EVs sold in Burma.
(Exchange rate: $1 USD = 4,170 MMK)
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