Myanmar

The UNDP has reported that 49.7% of Myanmar’s population are living below the poverty line, doubling from 2017, and that “the situation is likely to have deteriorated further by the time of this report’s release”. It also noted that 25% more of the population were on the edge of the poverty line

The Thai PM has said that he will not permit military aircraft from Myanmar to enter Thai airspace, and that “if the conflict in Myanmar spills over into Thailand, that's unacceptable”. He has said that there are measures in place to accommodate the expected arrivals of Myanmar citizens over the borders from Myawaddy, as fighting intensifies and the town fell to the Karen National Union (KNU). Thailand has seen around 4,000 cross to Mae Sot from Myawaddy daily, doubling the previous number

Aung San Suu Kyi is said to be held in solitary confinement in Naypyidaw Prison

The UN has appointed Julie Bishop as its new UN special envoy to Myanmar

A charity has reported that it treated over 100 people in Yangon who passed out due to the heatwave in just the first week of April. Mandalay region’s Chauk Township registered 47 degrees Celsius

The Directorate of Hotels and Tourism (Bagan Branch) has reported a “remarkable increase” in visitors in 2023 for domestic and international visitors, with 474,557 domestic visitors and 14,927 foreign visitors vs 280,848 domestic visitors in 2022 and 6,374 international visitors

The UN Security Council has been told that violence is worsening in Myanmar, and that “the civilian toll keeps rising”. It was also told that 12.9 million people do not have sufficient food, and 18.6 million will need humanitarian assistance in 2024, 19X vs Feb 2021 before the coup. A new UN special envoy for Myanmar is expected to soon be appointed

The Global New Light of Myanmar has reported that 90% of 491 accommodation providers in Yangon are open. It also reported that 40,000 international tourists entered Myanmar, mainly via air, with the majority from Thailand

Landmine casualties were up 170% YoY in 2023, with 188 killed and 864 injured

Eleven Myanmar has reported that travel businesses have seen fewer visitors to the Myeik Archipelago for Thingyan, with more people taking trips to Kawthoung Township instead. It was reported that out of the original 40 tourism providers in Myeik Archipelago, now there are less than 10

The floating Thingyan festival will be held from 13-16 Apr at Inle Lake

Myanma Railways will operate special trains during Thingyan from Yangon-Mandalay, Pyay and Mawlamyine

Bookings to Ngapali beach during Thingyan are at just 30% hotel occupancy, whilst last year was at 80%. The reasons for this are attributed to high flight costs, as well as approval letters being required for travellers to Rakhine State, leading to fewer leisure travellers

China’s Yangon Embassy reported over 800 people suspected of scams have been arrested in a joint Myanmar-China mission

The junta have said that nationwide elections may not be feasib;e, and that “If the State is peaceful and stable, we have a plan to hold the election in relevant sections as much as we can even if the election is not held nationwide under the law”

The Karenni Nationalities Defense Force has said that it is in control of 90% of Karenni State

The Ministry of Hotels and Tourism reported that Myanmar has seen 260,000 international tourists in Jan and Feb 2024, with 140,000 in Jan 2024 and 120,000 in Feb 2024. The same period in 2023 saw 85,000 arrivals

Thailand’s humanitarian aid to Myanmar has started, with essentials for 20,000 people

The junta has sent its first wave of summons letters to those eligible for military service, carrying the warning that “failure to report will result in prosecution”

Rakhine people have been banned from leaving Yangon, with penalties for bus operators who sell tickets to those who hold citizenship identification cards showing they live in Rakhine State. Other state residents are also facing similar restrictions, with either a citizenship ID, travel permission letter from the authorities or a letter from an employer outside of Yangon required to book tickets

The UN Special Rapporteur for Myanmar has said that there is now “an existential threat for the Myanmar military” and called for more financial sanctions