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Myanmar

Latest news, updates and opinion on Myanmar, covering politics, economy, society and the country’s relationships with China and India, and other countries in Southeast Asia.

Capital

Naypyidaw

Head of State

Acting President Min Aung Hlaing

Head of Government

Prime Minister Min Aung Hlaing

People check a hospital that was hit by a military air strike in Mrauk-U in Myanmar earlier this month. Photo: AP

War and conflict

Are Myanmar hospital air strikes a bid to ‘intimidate’ voters ahead of poll?

The junta has been emboldened to strike as China, Russia and the US are looking the other way to serve their own interests, analysts say.

1 hour agovideocam

United Nations

Aid cuts causing millions of refugees ‘unnecessary pain’: UN

15 Dec 2025 - 11:58PMvideocam

Scams and swindles

Video | China extradites scam suspects from Myanmar

10 Dec 2025 - 4:12PM

War and conflict

RSF says Israel killed highest number of journalists again this year

Reporters without Borders says the number of journalists killed reached 67 globally.

10 Dec 2025 - 10:28AM

The aftermath of an Israeli strike that killed several Al Jazeera journalists in Gaza City on August 11. Photo: Reuters

National Unity Government (Myanmar)

Starving Myanmar fighters join enemies for money as ‘dirty reality’ bites

‘We don’t have any other options,’ a pro-democracy fighter says as many rebels switch sides for survival.

9 Dec 2025 - 12:24PMvideocam

Singapore

Myanmar teen to be first foreigner deported under Singapore’s new Kpod law

As of September 1, foreigners with Kpods or testing positive for etomidate may be deported and banned from re-entering Singapore.

8 Dec 2025 - 9:34PM

United Nations

UN hits out at global ‘apathy’ as it slashes aid appeal for 2026

UN unveils streamlined plan to raise at least US$23 billion to help 87 million people in the world’s most dangerous places.

8 Dec 2025 - 2:27PM

Destroyed buildings in the Nuseirat camp for displaced Palestinians in the central Gaza Strip. Photo: AFP

Thailand

‘Everyone gets a cut’: why Southeast Asia’s scam industry refuses to die

Authorities are seizing assets and raiding compounds, but analysts warn the clumsy crackdown is merely scattering syndicates to new hideouts.

8 Dec 2025 - 9:51AMvideocam

Sri Lanka

627 dead in Sri Lanka landslides as rains batter South, Southeast Asia

At least 1,812 people have been killed in the natural disasters rolling across Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.

7 Dec 2025 - 7:45PM

War and conflict

Air strike in central Myanmar kills at least 18

Two bombs were dropped on Tabayin township in Sagaing region on Friday evening, with one hitting a busy teashop, local officials said.

12 Dec 2025 - 4:48PMvideocam

People inspect their damaged home after bombardments carried out by Myanmar’s military in Tabayin, in Myanmar’s Sagaing region, on Saturday. Photo: AFP

Asean

Myanmar’s criticism of Takaichi signals ‘loyalty’ to China ahead of election

A junta spokesman slammed the Japanese prime minister’s comments on Taiwan, saying Tokyo had not shown remorse for its ‘crimes’ in Asia.

5 Dec 2025 - 6:44PMvideocam

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing on the sidelines of celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in Moscow on May 9. Photo: Xinhua

Aung San Suu Kyi

Myanmar’s opium poppy growing at 10-year high amid civil war, turmoil

Myanmar has overtaken Afghanistan as the world’s main known source of illicit opium.

3 Dec 2025 - 4:59PM

United States

US pauses all immigration applications from 19 countries

The pause applies to people from nations that were already subjected to a partial travel ban in June.

3 Dec 2025 - 10:16AM

War and conflict

Opinion | Why China is succeeding in Myanmar while the West has been sidelined

The West’s incoherent strategy is no match for a ruthless, integrated Chinese approach that leverages economic links to its advantage.

30 Nov 2025 - 1:30PM

Chinese President Xi Jinping shakes hands with Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing in Moscow in May, on the sidelines of celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II. Photo: Xinhua

Asean

Political show? Why Myanmar is again cracking down on cyber scammers

Myanmar’s junta has been under pressure to raid fraud hubs by China as its citizens have been badly affected by these scammers, analysts say.

27 Nov 2025 - 7:00PMvideocam

White smoke billows after an explosion at KK Park online scam centre in Myawaddy, Myanmar, on October 25, Photo: AP

US-China relations

US lawmakers urge Trump to condemn Myanmar’s China-backed ‘sham’ elections

Call comes after government’s plan to stop legal protections for Myanmar nationals in US, citing elections as proof situation was improving.

27 Nov 2025 - 4:42AMvideocam

Thailand

Thailand to curb repeat visa-free entries amid rise in scams, illegal work

Around 2,900 foreigners have been barred by Thailand so far this year due to their multiple short-term entries.

26 Nov 2025 - 4:18PM

The Philippines

How Philippines might navigate Asean’s divisions as it prepares to lead bloc

Analysts say the two challenges will weigh heavily on the Philippines’ agenda as chair of the bloc next year.

25 Nov 2025 - 4:13PM

Soldiers patrol a road in Kyaukme, northern Shan State, Myanmar, in October. The Philippines will take up the Myanmar issue in January when Asean’s foreign ministers convene to shape the bloc’s next steps. Photo: AP

Human rights

US ends temporary legal status for Myanmar nationals

Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem said the situation in Myanmar has improved and it is safe for citizens to return to the war-torn country.

25 Nov 2025 - 5:45AMvideocam

Thailand

‘Half of me has died’: toxic mines threaten Southeast Asia’s rivers

More than 2,400 mines – many of which are operated by Chinese companies – are draining waste into river waters, researchers say.

24 Nov 2025 - 5:13PM

Asean

Why Asean’s AI ambition may lead to widening economic and tech divide

While countries such as Singapore and Malaysia are ahead in the AI race, others like Cambodia and Laos risk being left behind, analysts say.

21 Nov 2025 - 5:31PM

An illustration of stock market trading using artificial intelligence. Asean is aiming to expand the use of AI across sectors. Photo: Shutterstock

Thailand

Video | New Thai labour law gives Myanmar refugees a taste of freedom

Thailand has opened its workplaces to tens of thousands of Myanmar refugees, ending 19 years of confinement.

20 Nov 2025 - 9:30AM

03:09

Malaysia

Malaysia court charges 11 shipwreck survivors with illegal entry

Rescued after their boat capsized, the Myanmar and Bangladeshi migrants face jail or caning, but did not understand the charges read in court.

19 Nov 2025 - 9:40PMvideocam

US-Asean relations

What US anti-scam ‘strike force’ means for Southeast Asia’s cybercrime fight

Analysts say the US initiative can serve as a coordination blueprint to push back against transnational criminal enterprises.

17 Nov 2025 - 5:42PMvideocam

Asean

Incoming Asean chair Philippines faces a Thailand-Cambodia ‘challenge’

Manila’s task as Asean chair will be to preserve the momentum set by Malaysia amid a crowded 2026 agenda, analysts say.

17 Nov 2025 - 5:12PMvideocam

An Asean delegation visits an area along the Cambodia-Thailand border in Banteay Meanchey province on Thursday. Photo: Agence Kampuchea Press/AFP

Nepal

Asian Angle | Nepal found out what Thailand already knew: digital repression is risky

The tactics vary, from Myanmar’s internet blackouts to Indonesia’s subtler control, but the results are the same: resentment and resistance.

15 Nov 2025 - 1:00PMvideocam

Protesters burn tyres in Kathmandu earlier this year. Following the protests over social media bans and government corruption, Nepal lifted its restrictions. Photo: AFP

Climate change

Climate collapse: Southeast Asia’s new normal?

With a 30th year of Cop climate talks under way in Brazil, for many of Asia’s most vulnerable populations, the crisis is already here.

21 Nov 2025 - 6:58AM

Cryptocurrency

US, Chinese authorities ramp up actions against syndicates running crypto scams

Syndicates either trick or coerce targeted victims to invest in bogus schemes and transfer funds via bitcoin, ether or stablecoins.

14 Nov 2025 - 1:14AMvideocam

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Myanmar

Are Myanmar hospital air strikes a bid to ‘intimidate’ voters ahead of poll?

The junta has been emboldened to strike as China, Russia and the US are looking the other way to serve their own interests, analysts say.

Aid cuts causing millions of refugees ‘unnecessary pain’: UN

.css-rcruog{color:#C79A00;}Video | China extradites scam suspects from Myanmar

RSF says Israel killed highest number of journalists again this year

Reporters without Borders says the number of journalists killed reached 67 globally.

Starving Myanmar fighters join enemies for money as ‘dirty reality’ bites

‘We don’t have any other options,’ a pro-democracy fighter says as many rebels switch sides for survival.

Myanmar teen to be first foreigner deported under Singapore’s new Kpod law

As of September 1, foreigners with Kpods or testing positive for etomidate may be deported and banned from re-entering Singapore.

UN hits out at global ‘apathy’ as it slashes aid appeal for 2026

UN unveils streamlined plan to raise at least US$23 billion to help 87 million people in the world’s most dangerous places.

‘Everyone gets a cut’: why Southeast Asia’s scam industry refuses to die

Authorities are seizing assets and raiding compounds, but analysts warn the clumsy crackdown is merely scattering syndicates to new hideouts.

627 dead in Sri Lanka landslides as rains batter South, Southeast Asia

At least 1,812 people have been killed in the natural disasters rolling across Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.

Air strike in central Myanmar kills at least 18

Two bombs were dropped on Tabayin township in Sagaing region on Friday evening, with one hitting a busy teashop, local officials said.

Myanmar’s criticism of Takaichi signals ‘loyalty’ to China ahead of election

A junta spokesman slammed the Japanese prime minister’s comments on Taiwan, saying Tokyo had not shown remorse for its ‘crimes’ in Asia.

Myanmar’s opium poppy growing at 10-year high amid civil war, turmoil

Myanmar has overtaken Afghanistan as the world’s main known source of illicit opium.

US pauses all immigration applications from 19 countries

The pause applies to people from nations that were already subjected to a partial travel ban in June.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Opinion | Why China is succeeding in Myanmar while the West has been sidelined

The West’s incoherent strategy is no match for a ruthless, integrated Chinese approach that leverages economic links to its advantage.

Political show? Why Myanmar is again cracking down on cyber scammers

Myanmar’s junta has been under pressure to raid fraud hubs by China as its citizens have been badly affected by these scammers, analysts say.

US lawmakers urge Trump to condemn Myanmar’s China-backed ‘sham’ elections

Call comes after government’s plan to stop legal protections for Myanmar nationals in US, citing elections as proof situation was improving.

Thailand to curb repeat visa-free entries amid rise in scams, illegal work

Around 2,900 foreigners have been barred by Thailand so far this year due to their multiple short-term entries.

How Philippines might navigate Asean’s divisions as it prepares to lead bloc

Analysts say the two challenges will weigh heavily on the Philippines’ agenda as chair of the bloc next year.

US ends temporary legal status for Myanmar nationals

Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem said the situation in Myanmar has improved and it is safe for citizens to return to the war-torn country.

‘Half of me has died’: toxic mines threaten Southeast Asia’s rivers

More than 2,400 mines – many of which are operated by Chinese companies – are draining waste into river waters, researchers say.

Why Asean’s AI ambition may lead to widening economic and tech divide

While countries such as Singapore and Malaysia are ahead in the AI race, others like Cambodia and Laos risk being left behind, analysts say.

Video | New Thai labour law gives Myanmar refugees a taste of freedom

Thailand has opened its workplaces to tens of thousands of Myanmar refugees, ending 19 years of confinement.

Malaysia court charges 11 shipwreck survivors with illegal entry

Rescued after their boat capsized, the Myanmar and Bangladeshi migrants face jail or caning, but did not understand the charges read in court.

What US anti-scam ‘strike force’ means for Southeast Asia’s cybercrime fight

Analysts say the US initiative can serve as a coordination blueprint to push back against transnational criminal enterprises.

Incoming Asean chair Philippines faces a Thailand-Cambodia ‘challenge’

Manila’s task as Asean chair will be to preserve the momentum set by Malaysia amid a crowded 2026 agenda, analysts say.

Asian Angle | Nepal found out what Thailand already knew: digital repression is risky

The tactics vary, from Myanmar’s internet blackouts to Indonesia’s subtler control, but the results are the same: resentment and resistance.

Climate collapse: Southeast Asia’s new normal?

With a 30th year of Cop climate talks under way in Brazil, for many of Asia’s most vulnerable populations, the crisis is already here.

US, Chinese authorities ramp up actions against syndicates running crypto scams

Syndicates either trick or coerce targeted victims to invest in bogus schemes and transfer funds via bitcoin, ether or stablecoins.

Video | China extradites scam suspects from Myanmar

Opinion | Why China is succeeding in Myanmar while the West has been sidelined