Teenage Bar Worker Dies in Taunggyi, Sparking Calls for Justice
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The death of a 16-year-old girl at a bar in Taunggyi has sparked renewed concern over child labor, workplace abuse, and the lack of...
From Northern Shan State to Thailand’s Muay Thai Rings
“Overcoming life’s challenges is harder than knocking out an opponent in the ring.” For Sai Lao Nguen, those words are not merely motivation for his...
Above the Clouds: A Journey to Loi Tai Leng, Where Hope and Conflict Meet
The vehicle came to an abrupt stop on a dusty road at a Thai military checkpoint along the Myanmar–Thailand border. “Everyone, please step out of...
The Salween in Crisis: A Lifeline Poisoned by Mining, Conflict, and Greed
“The Salween River’s currents are fierce and powerful… in the heart of our Shan State… we do not think one could cross it easily.” Once,...
Fuel Crisis and Driving Restrictions Disrupt Daily Life Across Shan State
Every morning, Ma Thuzar* begins her day by checking a calendar. For her, the simple grid of dates has become a reminder of a new...
The Illusion of Transition: Myanmar’s Military and Its Sham Election
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Myanmar’s military regime is preparing to form what it calls a transitional “new government” in the coming months following its recently completed elections. Yet...
Silenced by Guns: A Woman’s Hidden Suffering
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“They gave us 20 lakh MMK (USD 510) as ‘compensation’ and told us to settle the case. They warned us not to let the...
Border Raids and Moving Targets: How Scam Networks Thrive in the Golden Triangle
“When there are raids in Tachileik, they cross over to the Lao side. When there are raids in Laos, they come back here.” Nang Tip*,...
Hsenwi Transformed Under MNDAA Rule: From Saopha Heartland to a De Facto China Annex
“Entering Hsenwi now doesn’t feel the same as before; it feels like arriving in a small Chinese border town,” says Sai Leng (pseudonym), a...
Fear and Fees: Shan Youth Facing Forced Conscription and Armed Group Pressure
Every time a letter arrives from a ward or village administrator, mothers across Shan State feel the same fear: “Is my son on the...
