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NEW DELHI – Indian nationals are being trafficked into online scam operations, held as slaves, and trained to conduct various money-making scams such as investment, romance, impersonation, social media, and gaming scams,
Photo – Photos of kidnappers released by the military junta. Nine individuals involved in a kidnapping incident in downtown Yangon, a densely populated area, have been arrested, the military junta announced, while locals say that Yangon is becoming increasingly unsafe. (Military Junta, Social Network) Yangon (August 10) Mizzima. Nine individuals involved in a kidnapping incident in downtown Yangon, a densely populated area, have been arrested, the military junta announced, while locals say that Yangon is becoming increasingly unsafe. The incident occurred on the evening of August 6, when a group abducted the owner of the Diamond Shine jewelry shop on Shwe Bon Thar Street in Pazundaung Township, Yangon Region, as he was returning home from his shop. That night, the perpetrators contacted the victim's family using the victim's phone and threatened them, demanding 45 million kyats and 60 ticals of gold for the victim's safe return, warning that if they reported to the military, the victim would be killed. The military junta stated that in the subsequent operation to arrest the perpetrators, two men were initially apprehended on August 7, and through further investigation, six more suspects were arrested. The abducted jewelry shop owner, a man, was reportedly found alive in an abandoned house in Thaketa Township. The military junta has announced that the arrested individuals are undergoing further investigation and will be severely punished according to the law. At the time of the incident, some social media pages of Yangon residents reported that a man was being taken away at knifepoint in the city center for conscription. However, it was only after the military junta's announcement that it became known that the victim was the owner of a jewelry shop who had been kidnapped. "It happened in the city center where people are always crowded, so we were very frightened. At first, we heard he was taken for conscription. Later, we learned that the jewelry shop owner was kidnapped, and Yangon has been unsafe for a long time," said a local resident of Pazundaung. A Yangon resident stated that the announcement of this kidnapping incident, occurring while forced conscription is taking place in Yangon due to the military junta's conscription law, serves as a wake-up call to take personal safety into one's own hands. "Although this incident was a kidnapping for money from the jewelry shop owner, it happened in the city center, raising safety concerns. How many people have disappeared after being arrested without anyone knowing? It's frightening to think about," they said. Following the military coup, widespread fighting has erupted across the country, leading to an increasing number of people from unstable regions relocating to Yangon. As the population of Yangon, a city with diverse social strata, grows, so too have crimes such as theft, robbery, and murder, which have become more widespread year by year.
Detained Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and Mr. Arnaud De Baecque, the Myanmar Country Representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), were allowed to meet on August 3rd with the permission of the military j
The recent official visit to Thailand by Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing has bolstered his efforts to gain legitimacy for his illegal rule, further complicating the political situation. Min Aung Hlaing's visit to Bangkok on August 6 and 7, at the invitation of Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, is likely to present ASEAN with a new challenge on how to proceed with the Myanmar issue. There are two main possible reasons why Thailand accorded the Myanmar junta leader a state welcome. The first is Bangkok's desire to directly address crucial issues between Thailand and Myanmar, such as border security, combating online scam centers, the issue of Myanmar migrant workers, and promoting trade and economic relations. The second is that Thailand may have come to believe that ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus, aimed at restoring peace and democracy in Myanmar and releasing political prisoners, is no longer feasible. The Pyidaungsu Hluttaw in Nay Pyi Taw has also indicated that it no longer accepts the consensus in practice, leading Thailand to believe that a new approach to the Myanmar issue is needed. However, Myanmar analysts have pointed out a major problem. Min Aung Hlaing, who overthrew the democratically elected government led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in a 2021 coup, has since created a "sham" election to maintain his power as the leader of a pseudo-civilian military regime. The state welcome with a red carpet in Thailand could be an opportunity for Min Aung Hlaing to further legitimize his rule. Many, from Myanmar citizens to Thai opposition MPs, have criticized the visit. Justice For Myanmar also criticized Thailand's welcome as giving "false legitimacy" to Min Aung Hlaing and the military generals. An effort to consolidate power long-term? According to analyst Igor Blazevic, the Myanmar junta's sham election has further consolidated Min Aung Hlaing's control over state institutions. He points out that the Union Consultative Council of the military junta was formed without a parliamentary vote, and this body has become an extra-constitutional organization that has broadened Min Aung Hlaing's influence over the military, judiciary, executive, and legislative sectors. Blazevic states that the Myanmar Bar Council has also assessed that this action is aimed at perpetuating military dictatorship as a permanent rule. One thing is clear: Min Aung Hlaing is adept at exploiting opportunities in political maneuvering, securing support or cooperation from powerful countries like China, Russia, and India, and also exploiting the divisions among ASEAN member states regarding the Myanmar issue. Currently, the Philippines holds the ASEAN chairmanship, but no significant progress has been made on the Myanmar issue. Aung San Suu Kyi's role is also being used as a pawn. Prior to Min Aung Hlaing's visit to Thailand, allowing the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to meet with 81-year-old Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is also being considered a political maneuver. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has been sentenced to 18 years in prison based on charges and lawsuits, and is currently being held under house arrest. After news and photos of the ICRC's meeting with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi emerged, the Thai government responded positively. Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow welcomed the information and photos of the meeting between Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the head of the ICRC in Myanmar. In particular, the Thai government viewed the developments following the informal meeting between ASEAN foreign ministers and the Myanmar foreign minister in Bangkok on July 12, and Min Aung Hlaing's visit to Thailand, as a positive situation. Sihasak said that the Thai government expects the Myanmar government to continue to take further positive steps to achieve lasting peace and stability in Myanmar. However, the main question is what lies behind these positive words. Min Aung Hlaing's Five-Year Plan It is speculated that Min Aung Hlaing is trying to consolidate his power and the power of the Myanmar military for the long term, and to maintain the pattern of decades of military rule in the country. In his speech at the 2026 Hluttaw in Nay Pyi Taw last week, marking his first 100 days as "President," Min Aung Hlaing defended the actions of the military-backed administration. Furthermore, he dismissed ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus as merely Brunei's stance and unveiled a five-year plan focusing on national security, constitutional amendments, and special elections. His plan includes key priorities and a two-stage roadmap. He stated that security and stability will be accelerated in the first two years, followed by accelerated national development in the next three years. He also said that 43 proposed amendments to the 2008 constitution have been submitted to the Hluttaw. It was also announced that special elections are planned for 2027 in 102 townships where voting was not possible due to armed conflicts during previous election phases. Min Aung Hlaing stated that ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus is not a collective agreement of all member states but merely a statement from the previous chairman, Brunei, and accused some ASEAN member states of discrimination. The Conscription Law Will Remain in Effect In the areas of conflict and conscription, conscription
Myanmar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on 8 August taking offence at the ASEAN Chair’s “interference” in the incarceration of former leader Aung San Suu Kyi and calling for an end to the new Special Env
Photo – Flowers are placed at a memorial site to honor the deceased. (Thai PBS World) Mizzima. The UNICEF Thailand office has expressed sorrow over the deaths and injuries in the shooting incident at Desilin Nonthaburi S
August 9th marks the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, a celebration of Indigenous cultures, traditions, knowledge, and their vital role in protecting and caring for nature, according to the Karen Envi
Mizzima The following is a statement from Salween Peace Park and Thawthi Taw-Oo Indigenous Park for International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 9 August 2026: On this August 9th 2026 we, the Indigenous Karen Comm
The coordinated push to conclude the updated ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement this year was agreed at the 17th ACFTA Joint Committee Meeting late last month via videoconference, Umaporn Futrakul, deputy director-general
Thai environmental activist Pianporn Deetes, the executive director of the River and Rights Foundation, held a sign that read: “We do not welcome a criminal like you Min Aung Hlaing” during a protest outside of the United Nations in Bangkok, Thailand, on Aug. 6. Pianporn stated that, as a resident of Chiang Rai affected by toxic contamination, she refuses to welcome Min Aung Hlaing because he is a criminal responsible for polluting Thailand’s rivers. She noted that six Thai rivers—including Kok, Sai, Ruak, Mekong, and Kra Buri—have been affected by contamination from mining operations in Myanmar. Pianporn added that Thailand welcoming him in this manner is completely unacceptable. (Credit: The Reporters) Transcript: “Previously, we expected Prime Minister Anutin to meet with the public before signing the [Terms of Reference] with Myanmar. However, he never listened to our voices and continues to welcome the criminal who damaged Thailand’s rivers. We expected the Thai Prime Minister to protect our rivers from danger,” said Pianporn. “We do not welcome Min Aung Hlaing to Thailand. Why am I here today? Because I am from Chiang Rai. The rivers that my family and millions of Thai people depend on have been contaminated by toxic heavy metals from unregulated mining upstream in Myanmar. The Kok, Sai, Ruak, Mekong, Salween, and Kraburi Rivers are all affected. Communities are forced to live with contaminated water, while mining for rare earths and other critical minerals continues. The Myanmar military claims these mining areas are beyond its control. I do not believe that. Before meeting Min Aung Hlaing, I hoped Prime Minister Anutin [Charnvirakul] would first visit the affected communities in northern Thailand and listen to the people living with this crisis. That did not happen. This is why I am protesting today. Journalist: What do you want from the Thai government?
OFFICIALS observed the conditions of the voca- tionally supportive electric welding training being conducted by the Department of Rural Development of Zeyathiri Township, Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory, on 8 August. Distric
DEPARTMENTAL officials from the Kyain-Seikkyi Dis- trict Department of Rural Development under the Ministry of Cooperatives and Rural Development in- spected family income-gen- erating activities funded by the Mya Sein Y
THE construction of the Ayeyawady River Viewpoint along the Strand Road in Magway has reached 80 per cent completion and is expected to be finished this month, according to the Magway Township Development Committee. The
THE Department of Rural Development staged a public awareness talk at Pantpon Model Village in Taunggyi Township on 7 August. Deputy Director of Shan State (South) Department of Rural Development U Khun Myint Thaung deli
A team of 11 medical pro-fessors and senior spe-cialists from major hos-pitals in Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw conducted a two-day mobile health-care mission at Kengtung People’s Hospital in Shan State (East) on 8-9 Au-gust.
ON the morning of 8 Au- gust 2026, Departmental officials conducted an on- site inspection regarding the execution of livestock operations under the Ru- ral Business Fund (RBF) project in Naingkya Vil- lage, Hpa-an Towns
SECURITY forces rescued a prominent local jeweller and arrested nine suspects within 12 hours following a high-profile kidnapping in Pabedan Township on 6 August. U Aung Myint (also known as Supra Money), owner of the Di
FILM actors and well-wishers are making donations through the Myanmar Motion Pictures Organization to support rehabilitation and recov- ery efforts following the ongoing flooding in Lay- myethna Township, Ay- eyawady Reg
THE Ayeyawady River is expected to reach danger levels in Myinmu, Pakokku and NyaungU within the next 24 to 36 hours, according to the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology. Measurements taken at 6:30 am on 9 August sh
HEAVY rainfall that began on 5 August has caused flooding in towns, villages, wards, and farm- lands across Sagaing Re- gion. Due to floodwaters entering villages and wards, members of the Myanmar Police Force, fire brig
HEAVY rainfall from 5 to 8 August caused landslides and flooding in Mogok and Madaya townships, Mandalay Region, damaging homes, roads and other infrastructure and prompting rescue and relief operations. In Mogok Townshi
A total of 12 flood-monitoring stations have been established along the banks of Chindwin River from Ahlon Ward to South Monywa Ward in Monywa. Departmental personnel, local residents and members of social organizations
HEAVY rainfall caused a gtavel-filled retain- ing wall along Nampaw Creek in Nyaungpinkwin Village in Hsipaw Town- ship, Shan State (North) to collapse on the morn- ing of 8 August, resulting in water erosion in the surr
REPAIR operations to seal a breached sand layer along the Ngawun River embankment near the oxbow lake in Lay- myethna Township, Ay- eyawady Region, are ex- pected to be completed within 10 days, according to U Win Htay,
President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar U Min Aung Hlaing yesterday morning made an inspection tour of universities in Hinthada and Maubin, Ayeyawady Region. In inspecting the Ayemya Thaya People’s Sports Groun
IN the 2026-2027 financial year, three key hatcheries in Bago Region successfully released 40 per cent of their cultured fish fingerlings into natural waters while selling the remaining 60 per cent directly to local fish
THE opening ceremony of the “Weekly Cinema, Shared Stories” Chinese Film Fes- tival and the screening of the Shenzhou-13 space documentary was held at the National Theatre in Yangon on yesterday. The event aims to promot
SHAN State Minister U Sai Htein Soe attended an activity of broadcasting fertilizer and the field demonstration held yesterday for the 60-acre test plot of Pawsan paddy for 2026 in the highland and lowland areas of Mongt
President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar U Min Aung Hlaing yesterday inspected flood-affected areas in Ayeyawady Region, where heavy rainfall and damage to the Ngawun River embankment triggered widespread floodi
It is known that in connection with the incident of the owner of Diamond Shine jewelry shop located on Shwe Bon Thar Road, Panbegone Township, Yangon Region, being kidnapped on August 6, the perpetrators were identified
He expressed his deep sorrow for the damage and losses caused by the floods and stated that just as the state and donors provide assistance to the best of their ability, the local people must also work with their own pro
Myanmar rejects ASEAN calls to free Aung San Suu Kyi The regime’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday accused the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 2026 Chair, the Philippines, of “exerting undue pressur
The Arakan Army (AA) Information and Public Relations Department announced that two civilians were killed and three were injured when the military government's army carried out an airstrike at night on the residential ar
Article by – Dr. Moe Thit Nay (Ayeyarwaddy Times, August 9) Milk and yogurt not only supplement the essential nutrients our bodies need but are also excellent for stomach and intestinal health. Let's explore together the
Ayeyarwaddy Times August 9 The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology (DMH) issued an urgent warning today, August 9, stating that the Ayeyawady River water level is expected to reach the warning level in Myinmu, Pakokk
Ayeyarwaddy Times August 9 When the Tafan Seik Dam in Kyun Hla Township, Sagaing Region, became full, the interim government forces suddenly released water without prior notice to the public, causing severe flooding alon