Insight Myanmar

Episode #324: In a deeply moving interview, Thiri discusses the devastating aftermath of the recent 7.7-magnitude earthquake, set against the backdrop of ongoing political turmoil. With communication lines down and infrastructure destroyed, even basic information about the crisis has been difficult to obtain—making reporting and relief coordination nearly impossible.Since the 2021 coup, the military junta has systematically dismantled media freedom and community support networks. Journalists are in exile or hiding, and many volunteers face arrest simply for helping. Despite this, grassroots rescue efforts have been heroic, with civilians digging survivors out by hand. The military, meanwhile, underreports casualties and stages propaganda photo ops, creating a false image of control and care.Thiri warns that the junta’s sudden welcome of international aid is a calculated attempt to mask the true scale of devastation, seek legitimacy, and potentially repurpose aid for military use. She urges donors to apply “conflict sensitivity”—a deep understanding of Myanmar’s political context—and work directly with trusted local organizations rather than the junta.The emotional toll is immense: families separated, loved ones missing, and grief compounded by misinformation and fear. Amid continued military airstrikes, Thiri says the suffering is not just from the quake, but from the coup itself.She calls on the international community to act responsibly: support grassroots Burmese networks, avoid legitimizing the regime, and understand that for Myanmar, even basic humanitarian aid has become a political battleground. “We just want to live in peace,” she says. “But even that feels like too much right now.”Please consider a donation today to our earthquake relief fund!

Episode #323: “Quite frankly, and I might catch flak for this, but I'll say it: there is a special place in hell for those who seek to exploit or weaponize this aid, or block this aid for political purposes from getting to those affected communities.”Jack Myint delivers a powerful and urgent appeal following the catastrophic, March 28th, 7.7-magnitude earthquake in central Myanmar that devastated Mandalay and nearby regions, leaving hospitals, monasteries, universities, and homes in ruins. He describes how the initial rescue efforts came from ordinary citizens using basic tools to save lives. But he notes that, while heroic, such actions are not enough in the face of such widespread devastation. He also mourns the destruction of Mandalay’s historic and religious landmarks, calling the national trauma incalculable.In the context of Myanmar’s ongoing political crisis since the 2021 coup, Jack pleads for international aid that bypasses politics and directly supports affected communities. He outlines three paths for U.S. involvement: direct emergency assistance via USAID, cooperation with regional allies like India and Singapore, and support through international bodies such as the UN and ASEAN. He insists that these options are not mutually exclusive and must be pursued with urgency.He closes by urging support for Better Burma’s grassroots fundraising and immediate international action, emphasizing that lives hang in the balance. “The people simply don't have time to wait through political deliberations,” he says, calling for direct support to those already saving lives on the ground.Please consider a donation today to our earthquake relief fund!

Episode #322: Hector and Dr. Paing’s story is a testament to determination in the face of overwhelming challenges. Following the 2021 military coup in Myanmar, they left their medical careers to provide care in conflict-ridden Karenni State. Initially strangers to the region, they overcame deep mistrust from the Karenni community, who equated their Bamar origins with oppression. By establishing clinics and proving their commitment, they slowly earned the enduring trust of the Karenni people.Their work is fraught with dangers, from bombings that destroyed their first hospital to relentless drone surveillance. Relocating to the jungle, they constructed a makeshift hospital, gradually upgrading its facilities despite limited resources. Secrecy is vital to protect patients and staff from military airstrikes. Supplies often need to be sourced through unreliable channels, while electricity and water remain scarce. Internet access only became feasible in 2023 with the arrival of Starlink. Their mission exposes them to the horrors of war: landmines, airstrikes, and suicide drones inflict devastating injuries, leaving physical and emotional scars. Both staff and civilians grappled with PTSD and depression, yet they find hope through communal resilience and shared moments of joy in improvised celebrations.Despite limited funding and volunteer burnout, Hector and Dr. Paing continue, driven by the belief that health is a universal right. They have become builders, fundraisers, and documentarians, collecting data to ensure future accountability and systemic improvements. Their transformation over three years reflects their deep commitment to a better future for Myanmar.As Dr. Paing states, “Please, don’t be trapped under the policy. Do what you can do urgently and immediately. Health is the human family, and health is peace.” Their story stands as a call to action and a symbol of unwavering dedication to humanity amid conflict.

Episode #321: Growing up in Indonesia, Evy Zulyani found her passion for social justice early on, using her skills as a high school journalist to expose corruption. This experience gave her a first taste of how activism could transform society, even on a small scale. She found inspiration in community involvement, particularly through her work providing non-formal education to poor children, solidifying her belief in collective action and grassroots change.After college, Evy joined an NGO supporting migrant workers, where she witnessed the deep systemic injustices faced by Indonesian women returning from working abroad. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Evy transitioned to digital activism, joining the Milk Tea Alliance—a transnational solidarity movement uniting activists across Asia. Myanmar's 2021 coup became a focal point of her activism, inspiring solidarity actions, including protests in front of the ASEAN Secretariat.Evy's approach to activism embraces creativity and resilience. She organized unique protests in Jakarta like “Bike for Myanmar” and collaborated with artists and musicians, using art to express resistance to the Burmese regime. Despite facing burnout and exhaustion, Evy relied on her community for strength, emphasizing that activism could not be done alone. She also co-created 'The Dictator's Playbook,' a zine that educated activists on state repression tactics and strategies to counter them.Above all, love is a central tenant to Evy's activism. She sees love as a radical, transformative act—essential in sustaining hope, protecting one another, and turning pain into power. “Love transforms the darkness,” she says. “I think love can radicalize you. If you go with the path of love, I think the power of love is limitless. So don't forget to love yourself and love others. Just spread love.”

Episode #320: Don Tajaroensuk's story is one deeply influenced by the experiences of refugees and the human rights work led by his mother. As a child growing up in Thailand, Don’s home became a temporary refuge for people political turmoil, on their way to resettlement. Initially, Don didn’t understand the gravity of their circumstances. To him, they were simply house guests; it wasn’t until he was older that he realized they were refugees, displaced by the instability in their homelands.This early exposure shaped his worldview and eventual activism. Don’s mother, Chalida, is a prominent figure in the human rights and democracy movements, working across Southeast Asia on issues related to migration and political activism. She would often be away for months at a time, engaged in work that Don didn’t fully comprehend as a child. It was only through the stories of her friends that Don pieced together her role in supporting democracy movements around the world.Following in her footsteps, Don has committed himself to grassroots activism, focusing on the intersection of migration, human rights, and democracy. His work is informed by the intimate understanding of displacement he gained from a young age. Today, he continues to advocate for the rights of refugees, particularly those from Myanmar, and strives to educate Thai society on the urgent need to address these humanitarian crises.“What we should understand is that [Burmese people] have supported Thai society a lot. I can say that with our Myanmar friends being here, Thai society can really develop at lighting speed!” he exclaims. “When I talk with them, actually, they really don’t want to make any problem for Thailand. They don't want to disturb the country, they don't make any problem. They want to pay taxes! And they are already part of our society. If we have more respect towards them, then our country will be better.”

Episode #319: Nyan Linn Htet, founder and managing editor of Mekong News, joins the podcast to discuss the complex dynamics that shape the media landscape, as well as the worsening conflict in eastern Shan State. Mekong News, established in 2019 in Tachileik, focuses on reporting under-covered issues, including drug smuggling, local ethnic groups, and powerful armed organizations active in the region.The region Nyan Linn Htet reports on is located near the notorious Golden Triangle. It is rife with illegal drug trade, largely unregulated due to corruption and safety concerns. Authorities often ignore drug production and distribution, accepting bribes or fearing retaliation. This has allowed the trade of methamphetamine, heroin, and other drugs to thrive, fueling both economic dependence and local militias. Nyan Linn Htet notes how this complex web of interests among military factions, ethnic armed groups, and criminal enterprises affects the area’s stability and the safety of journalists covering such sensitive topics. Since the coup, independent media like Mekong News has operated in exile, emphasizing the critical role of regional journalism in amplifying marginalized voices and documenting human rights abuses amid the ongoing turmoil in Myanmar.The region’s sociopolitical landscape is equally fragmented. Competing armed groups like the United Wa State Army (UWSA) and the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) maintain uneasy relationships with Myanmar’s military while pursuing their own agendas, often prioritizing autonomy over broader democratic ideals. For instance, the UWSA is known to align with China, while the RCSS has connections to Thailand, complicating ceasefire agreements and political negotiations.“Every leader of the EAOs talk about federal democracy, but it may be their second political aim. To get their control of their area is the first political aim,” he says. “I don't mean they are not interested in federal democracy. Maybe federal democracy is their final aim.”Note: This episode was recorded last year. Within the last month, we have become aware of concerning statements made by the guest on his social media feed regarding women, as well as allegations of sexual harassment. The content of this episode focuses solely on his perspectives as a journalist covering the regions around eastern Shan state. However, in the interest of transparency, we believe it is important for our audience to be aware of these developments before listening.

For this Bonus Episode, we share a talk presented at Nowhere Books in Chiang Mai, which was hosted alongside Yucca, the Research Director at Exile Hub.We are including the following description which was prepared by event organizers:Buddhism and anarchism, though originating in distinct realms—spiritual and political—share key commonalities that make for a thought-provoking intersection. Both reject coercive authority and hierarchical structures, emphasizing individual responsibility and autonomy. Buddhism, particularly Zen, encourages personal liberation through inner peace, mindfulness, and detachment from desire, while anarchism advocates for a free, non-hierarchical society based on mutual aid and voluntary cooperation. Both traditions emphasize non-violence and compassion, valuing simplicity and interconnectedness within communities.However, notable contradictions exist. Buddhism’s focus on spiritual detachment and acceptance of suffering contrasts with anarchism’s drive for political resistance and material change. While Buddhists aim to alleviate suffering through personal transformation and mindfulness, anarchists see suffering as rooted in unjust social systems that require active resistance. Additionally, the hierarchical nature of some Buddhist communities contrasts with anarchism’s emphasis on egalitarian, horizontal structures. Despite these differences, the overlapping values of personal freedom, non-violence, and community-based ethics make the relationship between Buddhism and anarchism a fascinating area of exploration.The talk was presented at Nowhere Books, a “third culture” Chinese language space whose cultural activities include lectures, publishing, curation, theme camps and other programs. It was part of a series called the Digital Humanities Un, an initiative sponsored by digi-cnx, a local Chiang Mai network committed to dialogue and research on how digital technologies are impacting both people and our planet. Many thanks to Dev Lewis for his role in helping to arrange the talk.

Episode #318: Lynne Bousfield grew up in Australia, and led a fairly conventional life. But in 1975, when she was a student at the university, she received a postcard from her brother in Thailand. The picture of golden stupas stirred something stirred something deep within her.  After some adventures in Indonesia, Thailand, Laos and India, she still felt she had not found what she was seeking. But she had to replenish her coffers, and so went on to Iran to find work. While there, an expat she met told her about a meditation retreat in Bodghaya taught by someone named Munindra. That was it! Lynne dropped what she was doing and headed back to India. There, under Munindra’s guidance, she embarked on her first meditation retreat, a transformative experience that set her firmly on the path of Vipassana meditation. This practice, deeply rooted in the Mahasi Sayadaw tradition, became the cornerstone of her spiritual journey.Lynne’s commitment to the practice grew stronger with time, leading her to spend extended periods in Burma, where she deepened her understanding under the tutelage of some of the most respected meditation masters. She also met many Western seekers like herself, who became well-known Dhamma teachers in their own right. Returning to Australia, Lynne helped establish a retreat center, where she has long been a teacher. She also went back to school to become a licensed therapist. Way ahead of her time, she began integrating mindfulness practice in her therapeutic work.Today, Lynne sees a huge loss in the closing off of Burma and the violence and destruction there. She feels the world is losing access to the wellspring of authentic meditation teachers that had set her on her path. “I think meeting people like Mahasi Sayadaw, you’re in the presence of something that is very hard to describe. There’s some kind of recognition with it, but to try to describe it would make it sounds like nothing… but that was trustworthy and true.”

Episode #317: Derek Mitchell’s engagement with Myanmar began unexpectedly in the 1990s when he attended a human rights event featuring Aung San Suu Kyi. Years later, he became the first U.S. Special Representative and later Ambassador to Myanmar, playing a crucial role in shaping U.S. policy toward the country.Under the Obama administration, the U.S. reassessed its approach, transitioning from sanctions to diplomatic engagement. Mitchell was tasked with determining whether Myanmar’s new government, led by Thein Sein, was genuinely committed to reform. While political prisoners were released and civil society restrictions eased, skepticism remained, especially as the military, under Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing, retained significant power.Mitchell championed an action-for-action approach, incrementally easing sanctions in response to reforms. While some criticized this as premature, he defended engagement, arguing, “We have to recognize that Myanmar is a country, not a cause.” He believed isolating Myanmar would only deepen military control while economic and political incentives could encourage democratic progress.The 2015 elections marked a milestone as Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) won by a landslide. However, ethnic minorities remained wary, and military control persisted under the 2008 Constitution. Then the Rohingya crisis of 2017 shattered hopes of democratic transition, exposing the military’s unchecked power. “I realized that was a ticking time bomb, and that it could go off at any time,” Mitchell recalls.The 2021 coup confirmed his fears, revealing how fragile Myanmar’s democratic reforms had been. Post-coup, Myanmar entered a period of profound instability, with mass resistance challenging military rule. Mitchell stresses that external pressure remains crucial, stating, “There should be absolute, airtight pressure, not just from the United States, but from the frontline states to this regime, to say, ‘this is unacceptable.’”

Episode #316: “Hunger and undernutrition in Myanmar is a political failure, and it’s a conscious political failure that's devastating,” says Thin Lei Win, a journalist dedicated to exposing Myanmar’s struggles with food security and press freedom.As a co-founder of Kite Tales, a non-profit storytelling project, she seeks to challenge mainstream narratives by amplifying personal stories that reflect Myanmar’s diverse realities.  She says that before the 2021 coup, journalists were beginning to move beyond just reactions to events into more nuanced kinds of stories, but since the coup, press freedom has deteriorated, forcing many into exile or silence.Thin also highlights the paradox of Myanmar’s food production: despite its fertile soil, ample water and warm climate, large numbers of Burmes suffer from malnutrition due to political neglect and systemic policies. The military’s Four Cuts strategy has worsened food insecurity, using starvation as a weapon to control vulnerable communities. She argues that this is not simply a result of poverty but a deliberate choice by those in power.Beyond food and press freedom, Thin is deeply concerned about climate change’s impact on Myanmar. Extreme weather disproportionately affects farmers, exacerbating existing inequalities. She advocates for sustainable farming and policy reforms to address these interconnected crises.The post-coup resistance has led to a shift in Myanmar’s cultural and political consciousness. People are increasingly questioning traditional authorities, including the role of Buddhism in politics. Thin believes meaningful change will require difficult conversations and sustained activism. “If given a chance to rebuild, I think we can build a Myanmar that is so much stronger, caring, truly caring, and a force for good,” she says.