CNI News

29 August 2025

Due to border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia that escalated into armed clashes, many Cambodian workers left Thailand. 

To address the resulting labor shortage, Thailand has decided to allow Myanmar refugees to work, said U Min Oo, Labor Affairs Officer of the Foundation for Education and Development, to CNI News.

At a meeting on August 26, the Thai cabinet agreed to grant legal work permits to more than 40,000 people of working age living in nine refugee camps along the Thai-Myanmar border.

According to U Min Oo, Thailand is currently facing labor shortages, especially after Cambodian workers returned home, so the Thai government began considering Myanmar refugees as a replacement labor force.

A refugee camp near Mae Sot, on the Thai-Myanmar border (Photo by Tin Htet Paing)

“When the official Thai royal announcement comes out, I think more details will follow—such as how long work permits will be granted, whether extensions will be possible, and whether these people will be included in the CGI (migrant worker registration) system or not. Refugees can’t be entered into the CGI system like ordinary migrant workers. Instead, Thailand will need to issue a special pass. This is because refugees came here for various reasons and cannot be processed as regular migrant workers using documents from the Myanmar government. So, when the official announcement comes, there will likely be restrictions. It won’t be the same system as normal migrant workers.” he said.

Labor rights activists said the decision was based on factors such as improving bilateral relations, reducing illegal employment problems, supporting the social and economic well-being of camp residents, and maintaining stability along the border.

U Aung Kyaw, a labor rights activist, told CNI News that he welcomed Thailand’s policy change to allow refugees in border camps to work.

A refugee camp along the Thai-Myanmar border

“In the refugee camps along the Thai border, many of our Myanmar nationals and ethnic minorities have lived as refugees for decades. They survive under very tight restrictions, struggling day by day. Some have never been allowed to leave the camps to work. That was never an option before. When international aid and rations were cut, their lives became even more difficult. Since the Thai government itself cannot fully support them, granting legal work permits outside the camps is a way of helping them stand on their own. I appreciate this policy change.” he said.

It is reported that the Thai government has been sending health workers into the camps to provide medical check-ups and treatment for common illnesses. However, patients requiring hospital care must bear half of the costs themselves. The Thai government does not provide food supplies to the camps.

CNI News

29 August 2025

Revolutionary forces’ opposition to the election raises the question of whether it amounts to supporting the military’s current rule, said Colonel Khun Okkar, Chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S), to CNI News.

At present, the upcoming election to be organized by the State Security and Peace Commission has already been rejected by the KIA, KNU, AA, KNPP, and other revolutionary organizations. Similarly, the NUG has urged resistance to it.

Therefore, Colonel Khun Okkar of the PNLO (NCA/S) stated that the groups opposing the election are indirectly endorsing the current governance of the Myanmar military.

“Groups that say they will sabotage the election are, in an indirect way, supporting the current situation. If you say you will sabotage the election, then the question arises whether you are endorsing the present situation. What they say is their idea. We neither object nor support it. But if we look back at Myanmar’s 1960 election, no official organization has ever conducted it in a truly legitimate way. Everyone always claimed it was in some way illegitimate. The same goes for the 2010, 2015, and 2020 elections. Even though the respective governments claimed they were valid, they were all conducted under the 2008 Constitution. So if one argues that elections under the 2008 Constitution are illegitimate, then one must also object to the 1990 election onwards. Another point is that people know elections are not the solution. But since no one can provide an alternative solution, things are continuing in the current pattern. So, when you oppose the election, it raises the question whether you are supporting the continuation of the current system.” he said.

KNU Chairman Padoh Saw Kwe Htoo Win

The Union Election Commission (UEC) has announced that the first phase of the election will be held on December 28, 2025, across 102 townships.

However, the Karen National Union (KNU) issued a statement on August 26, saying the election is “an event to select candidates and parties that will benefit the military” and urged Karen armed groups, Karen political forces, Karen parties, and the general public to oppose it through nonviolent means.

Similarly, the Special Attack Force of the Naga Region PDF announced on August 27 that it would absolutely not accept elections in the Naga region and would not guarantee safety during the election period.

According to U Thein Tun Oo, Executive Director of the Thayninga Institute for Strategic Studies, when the military governs the country, revolutionary groups have had a good reason to headline, which makes them more satisfied with the current condition.

Some NUG leaders

“ The election path is something that must inevitably be taken. But now, some armed groups are choosing another path instead of elections. So we must ask them—what kind of democracy do they want, when they reject the election route? They may have various expectations. At this time, since the military is ruling, they can claim they are resisting dictatorship. In fact, they have had a good reason to headline. Because of that, they seem to become more comfortable with the current situation.” he said.

On July 29, 2025, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing promulgated the Law on the Prevention of Election Obstruction, Disruption, and Sabotage. Under this law, if anyone obstructs or disrupts elections resulting in deaths, they can be punished with a minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment up to life imprisonment or even the death penalty.

Vice Senior General Soe Win stated on August 26, 2025, that since there might be groups attempting to sabotage elections, people should remember that democracy can only emerge if elections are successfully held.

CNI News
28 August 2025

Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, will visit China and hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to an announcement from Nay Pyi Taw on August 28, 2025.

The statement said that Senior General Min Aung Hlaing will make an official visit to China in the coming days at the invitation of President Xi Jinping.

During the trip, he will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025, which will be held in Tianjin, China.

Likewise, he will also attend a military parade in Beijing commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin

Furthermore, he will hold meetings and discussions with President Xi Jinping, other senior Chinese government officials, as well as with leaders of other countries who will attend the events, the announcement stated.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend the military parade and SCO Summit in China.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing previously met with President Xi Jinping in Moscow, Russia, on May 9, 2025; with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bangkok, Thailand, on April 4, 2025; and with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, Russia, on March 4, 2025.

CNI News

28 August 2025

The Naga Region Special Attack Force (PDF) announced on August 27, 2025, that since elections will not be accepted at all in the Naga Region, they cannot guarantee safety during the election period.

According to the statement, Myanmar Tatmadaw is preparing to hold a sham election, but any party or individual that chooses to participate in the Naga Region will only escalate conflict and increase instability. Therefore, the Naga Region Special Attack Force declared that they will not accept the sham election in any way.

“Any loss of life or property damage that may occur during the election period will be the sole responsibility of those directly participating in the election or cooperating with such activities. We will not, under any circumstances, take responsibility for subsequent issues.” added the group.

Accordingly, the group warned that it will not provide any security guarantees for those running in the Myanmar Tatmadaw’s election in the Naga Region, nor for those assisting in the conduct of the election.

While seeing the Law protecting multiparty democratic general elections from obstruction

The Naga Region Special Attack Force operates under the Ministry of Defense of the National Unity Government (NUG).

The Union Election Commission (UEC) announced that the first phase of the election in Myanmar will be held on December 28, 2025, across 102 townships. Among these 102 townships are Lahe, Leshi, and Nanyun in the Naga Self-Administered Zone of Sagaing Region.

Various ethnic armed organizations, the NUG, the People’s Defense Forces (PDFs), pro-democracy activists, the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), and the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC) have all declared that they will prevent the planned election from taking place.

NUG leaders

In response, on July 29, 2025, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing enacted a law aimed at protecting multiparty democratic general elections from disruption.

Under this law, any act of obstruction, disruption, or destruction of multiparty democratic general elections, as well as causing deaths in connection with such acts, is punishable by a minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment, life imprisonment, or even the death penalty.

CNI News

28 August 2025

A democratic government will only emerge when a free and fair multi-party democratic election can be held, said Vice Chairman of the National Security and Peace Commission, Vice Senior General Soe Win.

He made the remark on August 26, 2025, during the ceremony honoring outstanding students who excelled in the 2024–2025 academic year university entrance examination.

“Only if a dignified, free, and fair multi-party democratic election can be held, will a parliament with dignity and people’s representatives chosen by the majority of the people come into existence. A democratic government will then emerge, and such a government will be able to successfully advance toward the democratic goals we aspire to. It is therefore crucial that all our people and organizations understand this.” said Vice Senior General Soe Win.

Statement released by the KNU

He continued that while the government and the public are working positively toward holding elections, there are also organizations and individuals attempting to disrupt and sabotage them. He said such actions are obstructions that aim to prevent the country’s development.

The Union Election Commission has announced that the election will be held in Phase (1) across 102 townships on December 28, 2025.

However, some armed groups, the National Unity Government (NUG), the People’s Defense Forces (PDF), and pro-democracy activists have declared that they will sabotage the election.

The Karen National Union (KNU), which is engaged in armed conflict with the Myanmar Tatmadaw, also announced on August 26, 2025, that it will oppose the election, considering it a national duty. 

Some NUG leaders

The KNU said the military’s effort to hold the election is merely a cover to avoid implementing ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus. According to the KNU, it will be a sham election designed to benefit the military and its allied parties. The group added that political parties taking part in such a sham election would only obstruct the future building of a new federal democratic system.

Similarly, PDFs fighting against the Myanmar Tatmadaw also declared that they will take action against anyone who participates in the military-organized election.

On February 1, 2021, the Myanmar Tatmadaw seized power from the NLD government led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, claiming that the NLD attempted to form a government without resolving alleged voter list fraud in the 2020 general election. The Tatmadaw then declared a state of emergency.

Following this, NLD leaders, members of parliament, armed groups, democracy activists, and some political parties opposed and resisted the coup, and later attempted to overthrow the military regime through armed struggle.

Under these circumstances, the Myanmar Tatmadaw has declared that it will hold elections and transfer state power to the political party that wins.

CNI News

28 August 2025

If the Myanmar Tatmadaw continues to insist on inviting armed groups to lay down their weapons and then participate in political dialogue, it doesn't want the armed groups to come to the dialogue kind of, said U Khun Sai, who is involved in the peace process, to CNI News.

Although ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) and People’s Defense Forces (PDFs) have repeatedly been invited to abandon armed struggle and resolve political issues through political means, those efforts have so far been unsuccessful, he said.

“For peace, they are being invited to abandon armed revolution and join party politics. That kind of invitation was already made in the past. It was attempted, and it failed. We saw that failure. So, if they continue to repeat those same words, naturally, they will not want to come. Instead of doing that, they need to make it attractive for them to come. One method is described in a Chinese proverb: Make those nearby happy and content; then those far away will come on their own. The political parties, CSOs, and the seven groups that signed the NCA and are still not fighting till now—these are the ones close to Nay Pyi Taw. The government needs to think about how to make them satisfied. If they are happy, the groups from afar will be watching them. If the government can make those non-fighting groups, political parties, and CSOs happy, content, and give them opportunities, then it won’t be difficult for the rest of the groups to come to the talks.” said U Khun Sai.

Some NUG leaders

Since the political change in 2021, the Myanmar Tatmadaw has stated that only ethnic armed organizations were included in peace invitations, and that no dialogue was held with PDFs.

However, on September 26, 2024, the SAC announced that ethnic armed organizations and PDFs were invited to give up armed struggle and resolve political problems through political means.

Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing also declared at the Peace Forum in Nay Pyi Taw on June 25, 2025, that the peace door remains open for so-called terrorists, PDFs, and ethnic armed groups.

It has been learned from military and political analysts that leaders of EAOs who participated in drafting the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) will be invited to the upcoming ceremony on October 15, marking the 10th anniversary of the NCA signing.

Shanni Army (SNA)

U Khun Sai also told CNI News that how the NCA can be applied under the current political situation is more important than simply commemorating its anniversary.

“Will they invite the groups that participated in drafting the NCA? If they are invited, will their leaders come or not? Either way, holding an anniversary is to honor the fact that the agreement was signed 10 years ago. That is important. But even more important is how we can apply the NCA in the present context. That’s why I expect this issue will also be discussed.” he said.

Analysts highlight that in the run-up to the election, gathering nearly all ethnic armed organizations together for peace talks is unlikely under current circumstances. Therefore, the government may instead pursue one-on-one negotiations with each armed group before the election.

At present, peace processes and forums are being held only with the seven groups that have signed the NCA.

CNI News

27 August 2025

Despite the plan to hold elections in Myanmar, strong opposition movements mean that Myanmar citizens living abroad are facing a dilemma over whether or not to vote, according to political analysts.

The Union Election Commission (UEC) announced on August 21, 2025, that to cast advance votes, Myanmar citizens residing in foreign countries for various reasons must submit their personal information to the respective embassies.

Ko Naing Aung Aung, director of the Arakan Workers Organization, told CNI News that Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand have no plans to participate in the election and are not interested in voting.

"Myanmar migrants in Thailand have no plans to vote. They're not interested," he said. "These are not fair elections. So when we have to give our personal information to the military commission to vote, most migrant workers are worried. We see that the majority of migrant workers in Thailand aren't interested in this. They won't give their personal information for security reasons. As someone who works on behalf of laborers, I can say with 99% certainty that Myanmar people in Thailand are not interested in the current election that is being planned in Myanmar."

Myanmar citizens waiting to cast advance votes at the Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, during the 2015 election.

Some political parties inside Myanmar argue that it is unrealistic for one person to claim that overseas voters will not participate, questioning what surveys were conducted to support this claim. They believe this is just one person's opinion and cannot represent others. They point out that some overseas voters would like to vote but are hesitant due to fear of being ostracized or attacked by others, which makes their decision difficult.

The UEC has stated that the first phase of the election will be held on December 28, 2025, in 102 townships. On July 29, 2025, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing signed and enacted a law for the protection of elections.

U Htet Aung Kyaw, Vice-Chairman of the National Democratic Force (NDF) party, told CNI News that online voting would not be easy at this point. He added that people who do not provide their personal information will not be on the voter list, but he does not believe providing this information would hurt security.

People waiting to vote during an election within Myanmar

"For Myanmar people abroad, voting is only accepted at embassies. The area of a Myanmar Embassy is considered Myanmar territory," he explained. "They are only allowed to vote within that area. It would be inconvenient to set up ballot boxes in industrial zones where there are many Myanmar workers because those are Thai territories. So, Myanmar people in Thailand can only vote at the embassy. They would have to go to the embassy with their personal information to cast advance votes. The embassy would then inform the UEC about these advance votes. We have advocated for online voting to make it easier for both domestic and overseas voters. However, at this point, it seems it wouldn't be easy to implement online voting."

Due to security threats, the upcoming election will be held in phases from December 28, 2025, to January 2026. A state of emergency has been declared in 63 townships across some regions and states, and efforts are underway to restore peace and stability.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, has stated that power will be transferred to the winning political party.

CNI News

27 August 2025

The Karen National Union (KNU) issued a statement on August 26, 2025, calling the upcoming election in Myanmar a "sham" designed to select individuals and parties that serve the interests of the Myanmar Tatmadaw.

The Union Election Commission (UEC) has announced that the first phase of the election will be held on December 28, 2025.

The KNU stated that due to the newly enacted "Law on Protection from Disturbing, Hindering, and Destroying Elections" and amendments to the "Law on Protection of the Personal Freedom and Security of Citizens," which are intended to address public movements against the election, the people are now being forced to participate against their will, out of fear.

The KNU added, "The attempt to hold an election ignores the five-point consensus of ASEAN. It is a sham election meant to choose individuals and parties that benefit the military. Therefore, the participation of political parties in this sham election will hinder the future establishment of a new federal democratic system."

The KNU declared that it "absolutely does not accept" the general election being organized by the State Security and Peace Commission because it is legally invalid, does not allow for the participation of all citizens, and the results can be manipulated.

While seeing the KNU's statement.

The KNU also said, "This election is only for the longevity of the military dictatorship and is not a solution to the current political crisis. The election will not only intensify domestic conflict but also lead to continued instability in the region."

The statement further indicated that the KNU fully believes that the only way to end the deep-rooted political conflicts in Myanmar is through a genuine federal democratic union constitution that is drafted and enacted based on an inclusive political dialogue aimed at a long-term, lasting political solution.

The KNU urged the Karen people, Karen armed organizations, Karen political forces, and all political parties and the public to reject this election, which serves the military's interests, and to oppose it through non-violent means.

On February 1, 2021, the Myanmar Tatmadaw overthrew the NLD government led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, alleging that the government was attempting to form a new administration without resolving disputes over voter lists from the 2020 general election. The Tatmadaw then declared a state of emergency.

In response, some NLD leaders, parliamentarians, armed groups, democracy activists, and political parties resisted, attempting to overthrow the Myanmar Tatmadaw by armed means. The KNU, which is a signatory to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), was also among these groups.

As a result, fierce battles are currently taking place between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the KNU in Kayin State.

CNI News

27 August 2025

Debate has emerged among military and political analysts on whether Myanmar’s Tatmadaw should set standards when inviting Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) and other armed groups to peace talks.

At present, analysts point out that the Tatmadaw’s peace invitations—which include demands for armed groups to lay down their weapons and engage only in politics—have not been effective.

Sai Htay Aung, Chairman of the Tai Leng (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party (TNDP), told CNI News that standards should indeed be set when inviting groups to peace negotiations, and the Tatmadaw needs to reconsider why its peace invitations have not worked so far.

“The Myanmar Tatmadaw has been consistently inviting groups with its six-point peace principles, but it hasn’t worked. They need to reconsider why it hasn’t worked. As for standards, yes, they should be applied among armed groups. But if the way standards are being applied is not working, then another approach should be reconsidered. This depends on the current situation. Peace is a long-term issue. If it is done based only on immediate circumstances, that’s not very good. I don’t want to give a specific opinion yet on exactly how standards should be set, but if standards are established with long-term national stability and peace in mind, that would be much better.” he said.

While seeing Dr. Aye Maung and armed groups

On September 26, 2024, the SAC had announced invitations for EAOs and People’s Defense Forces (PDFs) to abandon the armed path and resolve political issues through political means.

Furthermore, on June 25, 2025, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, at a peace forum in Naypyidaw, reiterated that peace was open to “terrorist insurgent groups including PDFs and ethnic armed groups.”

Dr. Aye Maung, Chairman of the Arakan Front Party (AFP), told CNI News that while it is reasonable for the governing authority to set conditions and regulations when declaring peace and ceasefires, it must also seriously examine the underlying justifications for why armed groups are waging resistance before inviting them.

“Later, some restrictions were included. For example, armed groups are required to renounce extremist ideologies. They must also agree not to cut off civilian infrastructure such as roads and communications, and not to continue recruiting or mobilizing forces. These preconditions were tied to ceasefire announcements. If they kept mobilizing forces or recruiting, the Tatmadaw would retaliate. Such restrictions are common when ceasefires are announced. But at the same time, the government must thoroughly analyze why these groups took up arms in the first place. The political outcome should address those root causes. Only after preparing such a political resolution should the government invite them for talks.” he said.

Leaders of AA, TNLA, and MNDAA

Analysts also pointed out that since the governing authorities label some armed groups as “terrorist organizations” or “illegal associations,” this makes it difficult to officially hold peace talks with them. Therefore, they argue, such designations should be lifted.

Traditionally, when inviting armed groups, the Tatmadaw specifies what conditions, standards, and positions must be met for them to be accepted. In the past, for example, the Tatmadaw refused to accept AA, TNLA, and MNDAA on the grounds that they had no significant armed forces, no controlled territory, and no ongoing battles. They were told they could only participate in peace if they laid down their arms.

Later, however, when AA, TNLA, and MNDAA built up military forces, established controlled territories, and engaged in battles, the Tatmadaw shifted its stance—from initially refusing to allow them to sign the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), to later pressing them to sign it.

Currently, however, those groups are no longer interested in the NCA, instead pursuing arrangements that would give them greater power and authority than the NCA framework provides. Analysts cite this as an example of why standards should be carefully set.