Has the dream of revolution by millions of people who opposed the military dictatorship ended?

Small, minimally equipped rooms in safe houses in Mae Sot are temporary shelters for those fleeing Myanmar. BBC "One day, we will regain our freedom." The 22-year-old spent most of his youth fighting for freedom. But after five years of civil war in Myanmar, he has put an end to the fighting and political complexities. "I want to help people as much as I can. I will choose a new form. This is a non-violent method." The young man is one of many who have fled to Mae Sot, a border town between Thailand and Myanmar, for their safety. He met the BBC in a small room in an alley in Mae Sot. This is one of the safe houses provided by charitable organizations for newcomers to the town. Most of them have little or no possessions, are traumatized by their experiences in Myanmar, and are exhausted and extremely vulnerable. As they have no legal right to stay in Thailand, these safe houses are their only refuge. In 2021, he was only 17 years old when nationwide protests against the military coup took place. When the protests were suppressed by the military, like other young people, he went to an area controlled by ethnic armed groups to undergo military training. Then, as part of an urban guerrilla group, he returned to Yangon and carried out bombings targeting places like police stations. "At that time, I thought non-violent protests were not the right way to regain our freedom." However, he was soon arrested and sentenced to seven years in prison in Insein Prison, notorious for its brutal torture of inmates. He was released last year and fled to Mae Sot because his family in Yangon was closely monitored by the police. He did not want to reveal his real name for the safety of his family. For the millions of Myanmar people who have risked their lives and abandoned their homes to oppose the military regime, this is a time of despair. They dreamed of a revolution that would rebuild Myanmar into a more democratic and inclusive country, and permanently remove the military from politics. But now, they only see Min Aung Hlaing, whom they believe started the civil war, consolidating his power. Last month, Min Aung Hlaing, the leader of Myanmar's military junta, was warmly welcomed by Chinese President Xi Jinping. The joint efforts of China and Myanmar to transform his image from a blood-soaked dictator to that of a civilian president are also leading to greater acceptance, even if neighboring countries do not yet fully respect him. For Min Aung Hlaing, who seized power by overthrowing the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021, China's diplomatic and military support has been crucial in recovering from the severe consequences of his coup. In the past year, the military junta has recaptured many territories previously lost to hundreds of armed resistance groups formed to oppose the coup. After elections held earlier this year, which excluded major opposition groups, Min Aung Hlaing has begun to project an image of a legitimately elected leader. So, what has become of those who hoped for a different future? Most are stranded in Mae Sot. The town is a major gateway for trade between Myanmar and Thailand and has always been a place where many Myanmar people travel and live. Although the number of war refugees has increased since the coup, they are rarely seen moving around outside. Most of them have no legal documentation. They have arrived by illegally crossing the narrow Moei River that separates the border and are constantly afraid of being arrested and deported by the Thai police. Furthermore, they fear retaliation against their families remaining in Myanmar. A former army officer who defected to the opposition three years ago said she rarely leaves her rented room in Mae Sot more than twice a month. For newcomers, safe houses provide short-term accommodation for up to six months. These are places hidden in the town's alleys, with small rooms containing only basic shared necessities. Behind every door are harrowing personal true stories. The young urban guerrilla recounted the regular torture and sexual abuse by prison guards. He also said that the prison was where his views on the revolution changed. "I expected the revolution to get better. I didn't like that armed groups were fighting each other instead of uniting. I saw so many deaths and injuries from the war that I couldn't watch it anymore." As the eldest son in his family, he also felt it was difficult to risk his life and leave his family behind. "That's why I gave up not only armed revolution but also other revolutionary methods like politics. I want to help people in other ways." Now, he dedicates his time and efforts to teaching children living in the safe house and supporting his friends who are still in prison as much as he can. "I am trying to give them the hope that the revolution is not over yet, and that we still have a chance to win." When we arrived at the safe house, other residents also gathered, and each had different life experiences and stories to tell. Among them were members of the People's Defence Force (PDF), which is fighting the military junta.