CNI News
8 September 2025
The State Security and Peace Commission announced on September 6, 2025, that the Tatmadaw had regained control of the Kawkareik–Thingannyinaung–Myawaddy section of the Asian Highway, the main trade route between Thailand and Myanmar.
Starting on August 28, 2025, the Tatmadaw launched a military operation with four columns advancing from Kawkareik to Thingannyinaung and one column from Myawaddy to Thingannyinaung. By September 6, 2025, the Tatmadaw had successfully regained control of the Asian Highway.
According to the announcement, the Tatmadaw’s recapture of the Kawkareik–Thingannyinaung–Myawaddy Asian Highway has thwarted the Karen National Union’s (KNU) dream of seizing Kawkareik, Myawaddy, and Hpa-an, and establishing a separate independent Kawthoolei state and government.
In cooperation with People’s Defense Forces (PDFs), the KNU had previously seized Tatmadaw camps and headquarters in the Thingannyinaung and Myawaddy areas between March 7 and April 28, 2024.
To regain control of the highway, the Tatmadaw launched Operation Aung Zeya, and after more than a year of fighting, has now reclaimed the Asian Highway.
During this campaign, a total of 382 clashes—both large and small—took place between the Tatmadaw and the joint KNU-PDF forces. The Tatmadaw also reported seizing 57 assorted weapons and related equipment.
The KNU-PDF’s prior control of the Myawaddy–Thingannyinaung–Kawkareik Asian Highway had disrupted Myanmar–Thailand border trade, causing significant price hikes for the public.
