Myanmar 20240528: Serendipity, Mellifluous, Ephemeral

Mekong Memo Myanmar Weekly: Business, politics, finance, trade & legal news.

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Here is your Mekong Memo this week for Myanmar. As always, your feedback and paid subscriptions are very much appreciated and help support us to continue keeping you informed.

Headlines:

Young Activists Join Jungle Resistance

Surveillance Fears Plague Junta E-ID Program

Thailand Redoubles Efforts to Resolve Crisis

UN Protection Efforts Slammed as Ineffective

Miss Grand International Moves Due to Conflict

Rare Earth Mining Fueling Global Tech and Abuse

Activists Struggle with Tech Tools in Fight

As Myanmar Resistance Gains Ground, India Faces Choices

Fierce Fighting Jeopardizes Dawei Port Project

Refugees in Thailand Begin US Resettlement Interviews

Russia Backing the Wrong Horse in Myanmar?

Chinese Pushing Revival of Controversial Dam

Russian Partnership for Aerospace Industry

Attacks Disrupt Railway Operations

Court Lowers Auction Price for Suu Kyi Home

Mental Health Crisis Worsening

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Young Activists Join Jungle Resistance

Students and professionals are flocking to Karenni State, trading urban comforts for a chance to fight the junta from secret jungle bases. Tough conditions aside, they're fueled by a hunger for freedom. Clandestine networks and facilities back their efforts, but rebel success hinges on the grit of Myanmar's new generation.

Read more: BBC

Surveillance Fears Plague Junta E-ID Program

The junta's new biometric IDs are causing chaos. Meant to streamline public services and travel, the buggy system is pushing some towards illegal migration. Critics fear it's a tool for targeting dissidents and forced conscription. Myanmar's tech and financial limitations are showing.

Read more: Frontier Myanmar

Thailand Redoubles Efforts to Resolve Crisis

Thailand is ramping up moves to restore peace and democracy in Myanmar, says PM Srettha Thavisin. More aid is flowing to refugees along the border as rebel-military clashes intensify and spill into Thai territory. The turmoil is casting doubt on the junta's election promises.

Read more: Bangkok Post

UN Protection Efforts Slammed as Ineffective

The UN's vows to safeguard Myanmar's civilians are ringing hollow. Atrocities and displacement rage on, with limited impact from UN resolutions. Critics say local efforts should trump distant international initiatives that are disconnected from on-the-ground realities.

Read more: The Irrawaddy

Miss Grand International Moves Due to Conflict

Miss Grand International 2024 is saying bye to Yangon, spooked by the raging civil war. The Thai organizers are scouting a safer venue, another sign of how the conflict is scaring off international events as violence and infrastructure woes mount.

Read more: Myanmar Now