Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast What's Happening in Myanmar
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Military Elections Loom & Atrocities Continue | 12 Dec 2025 | 00:38:41 | |
With Jared Bissinger, visiting fellow at the Myanmar Studies Program at the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, and research lead at Catalyst Economics. This week on episode 57 of What's Happening in Myanmar, a silent strike simmers in towns and cities, overseas voters shun the military's elections, airstrikes devastate civilians, and we discuss the Myanmar national economy's opportunities and constraints going into 2026. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me
Timecodes— (00:00) Opening (01:37) Military atrocities and civilian airstrikes (03:40) Silent strike against elections (04:28) Thai foreign minister in Nay Pyi Taw (05:30) Lack of advance voting overseas (06:09) Foreign arrivals closely scrutinized (07:10) Military detentions under elections law (13:11) Effects of the earthquake (16:50) Winners and losers in the conflict economy (19:50) Land border trade (33:53) What to look for in future RE the economy (37:57) Close
Our guests— Jared Bissinger, a Visiting Fellow at the Myanmar Studies Program at the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, and Research Lead at Catalyst Economics. How China outmanoeuvres the West in Myanmar New original content on the Frontier website: 'Election under fear': Junta persecutes critics of its poll
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| Fighting in Mogok & A Climate Plan for Kawthoolei | 06 Dec 2025 | 00:44:56 | |
With Ah Oo, member of the secretariat of the Kawthoolei Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation Committee (KNRECC), and Paul Sein Twa, co-founder and executive director of the Karen Environmental and Social Action Network and also a member of the KNRECC. This week on episode 56 of What's Happening in Myanmar, election pressures and protests intensify, battles rage in and around Mogok, the regime's scam crackdown widens, and we discuss the new Kawthoolei Climate Action Plan. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me
Timecodes— (00:00) Opening (01:21) Fighting in Mogok (03:16) Military scam crackdowns (05:27) Elections pressure and detentions (10:09) With Ah Oo & Paun Sein Twa, K-CAP (23:22) A climate plan in a conflict zone (28:52) Other EAOs and K-CAP (36:18) Future of K-CAP (44:32) Close
Our guests— Ah Oo, member of the secretariat of the Kawthoolei Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation Committee (KNRECC). Paul Sein Twa, co-founder and executive director of the Karen Environmental and Social Action Network and also part of KNRECC. Kawthoolei Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation Committee
New original content on the Frontier website: Justice in limbo: NUG stalls probe into civilian deaths
Further referenced this episode: Junta officials and troops pressure Mandalay residents to vote in door-to-door intimidation campaign
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| Kyaukme Falls & UN Rohingya Talks | 03 Oct 2025 | 00:39:38 | |
With Carlos Sardiña Galache, author and Frontier Myanmar digital editor. This week on episode 47 of What's Happening in Myanmar, the military retakes Kyaukme, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing returns from Central Asia as his air force kills dozens of civilians across the country, and we discuss this week's United Nations conference on the Rohingya along with Arakan Army leadership. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— 01m06s :: News roundup Our guests— Carlos Sardiña Galache, author and digital editor at Frontier Myanmar His book: The Burmese Labyrinth New original content on the Frontier website: UN says Myanmar military razed Rohingya villages in 'a systematic pattern' Further referenced this episode: AA Chief Defends Rakhine Rebels Against Charges of Genocide | |||
| Rethinking Aid as Sweden Drops Out | 26 Sep 2025 | 00:42:26 | |
With Dustin Barter and Stella Naw, two co-authors of a new ODI report on humanitarianism and revolutionary state-building in Myanmar. This week on episode 46 of What's Happening in Myanmar, the resistance takes Banmauk, a Kachin Independence Army camp is hit with a precision airstrike, rights organisations react to Sweden ceasing development aid, and we discuss why international donors and humanitarian actors should engage with the new "pluralistic state" of Myanmar. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— 01m19s :: News roundup Our guests— Dustin Barter, Senior Research Fellow in the Humanitarian Policy Group at ODI Global Stella Naw, academic activist working on Indigenous and decolonial peacebuilding and governance practices And the reports under discussion: Making Myanmar: humanitarianism amid revolutionary state-building Plus, new original content on the Frontier website: Viral justice: Social media and the court of public opinion | |||
| The 4th Generation of Military Leaders | 19 Sep 2025 | 00:49:51 | |
With Naing Min Khant, emerging researcher at the Institute for Strategy and Policy, Myanmar. This week on episode 45 of What's Happening in Myanmar, the military regime makes gains in Bhamo, the air force bombs and kills dozens of students at a high school, the Union Election Commission declares 56 townships will not be part of December's so-called elections, and we discuss the likelihood of change within the Myanmar military's leadership, as the fourth generation of officers eye off the top job. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— 01m06s :: News roundup Our guests— Naing Min Khant, emerging researcher at ISP-Myanmar And the ISP-Myanmar report under discussion: ISP On Point No. 27: Prospective 4th Generation Tatmadaw: Payhways to Reform or Further Regression? Plus, new original content on the Frontier website: Q&A: 'Civilians should never be targeted' Tweet: This week on Frontier's podcast What's Happening in Myanmar, regime gains in Bhamo, air force bombs kill dozens of students sheltering in a high school in Kyauktaw Township, and ISP-Myanmar's Naing Min Khant talks about the prospects for the upcoming fourth generation of Myanmar military leadership. | |||
| Military Electoral Machinery | 11 Sep 2025 | 00:48:24 | |
With Michael Lidauer, an international elections expert with experience in Myanmar since 2010. This week on episode 44 of What's Happening in Myanmar, the Kayin State Border Guard Force declares its support for the military's elections, as its leaders and associates are sanctioned by the United States for facilitating the scam industry, and we discuss the technical aspects of the military running polls at the end of the year. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— 01m34s :: News roundup Our guests— Michael Lidauer, international elections expert New original content on the Frontier website: Q&A: 'Civilians should never be targeted' Further referenced this episode: Aiding Oppression or Saving Lives? The Dry Zone's Humanitarian Reckoning | |||
| The Anti-Sham Election Campaign | 06 Sep 2025 | 00:29:55 | |
With Nandar, member of the Generations Solidarity Coalition of Nationalities, and participant in the anti-sham elections campaign. This week on episode 43 of What's Happening in Myanmar, coup leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing is in China, while at home his military continues its offensives killing civilians, revolutionaries try to prevent the region from accepting the legitimacy of the military's planned elections, and we discuss the Anti-Sham Election Campaign's aims and strategies. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— 02m03s :: News roundup Our guests— Nandar, from the Generations Solidarity Coalition Nationalities The Sham Election Campaign Linktree New original content on the Frontier website: The junta positions itself in the new world order Further referenced this episode: Will the China–Myanmar meandering railway project get started soon? | |||
| Military's General Elections Confirmed | 29 Aug 2025 | 00:38:56 | |
With Nicholas Coppel, former Australian ambassador to Myanmar and president of the Australia Myanmar Institute. This week on episode 42 of What's Happening in Myanmar, the military captures two mines from resistance forces, the historic Gokteik viaduct sustains major damage, and we discuss the consequences of the military's planned elections starting on December 28. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— 01m31s :: Conflict updates Our guests— Nicholas Coppel, former Australian ambassador to Myanmar from 2015 to 2018, honorary fellow at the University of Melbourne, and president of the Australia Myanmar Institute. His latest publication: Media weaponisation in Myanmar and the world's relative indifference to its crisis | |||
| Union Members Sent to Insein & UWSA Bows to China | 23 Aug 2025 | 00:40:10 | |
With Stephen Campbell, associate professor in Social Sciences at Nanyang Technological University, and Joseph Young, Daily Briefing writer at Frontier Myanmar. This week on episode 41 of What's Happening in Myanmar, massive airstrikes occur around the country as the military continues offensives, and we discuss union members being sent to Insein prison, and the UWSA's declaration of non-assistance after admitting pressure from China. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— 00m52s :: Union members sent to Insein Our guests— Stephen Campbell, associate professor, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University And Joseph Young, daily briefing writer for Frontier Myanmar Other new content on the Frontier website: Back in business: Zahkung Ting Ying tries to rebuild his empire Check out the latest episode of Doh Athan, Frontier's podcast on human rights issues in Myanmar. | |||
| Bhamo Eight Months Later | 15 Aug 2025 | 00:30:28 | |
With Hka San Lwi, editor-in-chief of Kachin Waves. This week on What's Happening in Myanmar, major ethnic armed organisations make statements on peace and war, the military presses its advantage right across the country, and we discuss why the struggle for Bhamo remains the most consequential battle for the revolution going forward. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— 01m18s :: News roundup Our guests— Hka San Lwi, editor-in-chief of Kachin Waves New content on the Frontier website: The price of control: War sinks Rakhine State's economy | |||
| Pressure on Kachin Rare Earth Mines | 08 Aug 2025 | 00:43:49 | |
With Emily Fishbein, freelance journalist currently serving as a Pulitzer Center Rainforest Investigations Network fellow, and Hpan Ja Brang, social justice activist and freelance journalist from Kachinland. This week on What's Happening in Myanmar, the TNLA pushed firmly on the defensive, the Arakan Army permits Starlink registrations in war-torn Rakhine State, and we discuss the KIA's resumption of rare earth mining around Pangwa. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— 01m04s :: TNLA put on the defensive Our guests— Emily Fishbein, freelance journalist currently serving as a Pulitzer Center Rainforest Investigations Network fellow Hpan Ja Brang, social justice activist and freelance journalist from Kachinland Their feature story: 'Strategic bargaining chips': Kachin's rare earth mining pause Other new content on the Frontier website: 'Worse than ever': Inwa tourism in ruins | |||
| Groundwork for Military Elections & River Pollution | 01 Aug 2025 | 00:39:23 | |
With Pai Deetes, Southeast Asia Program Regional Campaigns Director at International Rivers. This week on What's Happening in Myanmar, the military regime lifts the state of emergency and enacts new laws for elections, making coup leader Min Aung Hlaing the temporary acting president, and we discuss the transboundary water contamination from mines in Myanmar affecting northern Thailand. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— 00m50s :: News round up Our guest— Pai Deetes, the Southeast Asia Program Regional Campaigns Director at International Rivers New content on the Frontier website: https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/hitting-the-brakes-junta-cracks-down-on-unlicensed-vehicles/ | |||
| Trump Unsettles Myanmar in US | 29 Nov 2025 | 00:37:18 | |
With Michael Haack, an activist and board member of Campaign for a New Myanmar. This week on episode 55 of What's Happening in Myanmar, the Karen National Liberation Army takes control of a Myawaddy scam compound, the military re-enters Mogok and Mongmit, Belarusian president Aleksandr Lukashenko visits Nay Pyi Taw, and we talk about the Trump administration's many bombshells this week affecting the legal status of Myanmar people in the US. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me
Timecodes— (00:00) Opening (01:12) KNLA takes scam compound (04:30) Military 505(a) amnesty "for elections" (07:45) Military marches into Mogok & Mongmit (08:52) Belarus president visits Myanmar (10:56) With Michael Haack, the Trump administration's announcements (14:30) Revoking TPS (20:57) Retroactively vet and reassess status of Myanmar refugees from 2021 (26:03) Re-examining permanent residency green cards (36:01) Close
Our guests— Michael Haack, an activist and key organizer for passing the Burma Act in the United States How the BURMA Act passed congress
New original content on the Frontier website: 'I had never done this in my life': Poverty pushes many to beg in Rakhine
Further referenced this episode: 'A constant fear': Myanmar nationals face imprisonment back home as US ends protected status
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| The Myanmar Defence and Security Institute | 24 Jul 2025 | 00:42:48 | |
With Dr Kid, communications officer of the Myanmar Defence and Security Institute. This week on What's Happening in Myanmar, the military takes back Thabeikkyin, while giving out rice and detaining suspects in Nawnghkio, and we discuss how soldiers who escape the army are working to expose the regime's weaknesses and defeat the military. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— 01m04s :: Nawnghkio under military rule Our guest— Dr Kid, communications officer of the MDSI Its reports on conscription and the air force command New content on the Frontier website: 'We are living in fear': Kidnappings menace Monywa
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| Ek Khaale for the Rohingya | 17 Jul 2025 | 00:39:00 | |
With Greg Constantine, documentary photographer. This week on What's Happening in Myanmar, the military marches into Nawnghkio, and we discuss the history and identity of the Rohingya community through the lens of the new Ek Khaale exhibition. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— 00m57s :: Nawnghkio taken by military Our guest— Greg Constantine, documentary photographer The exhibition online: EK KHAALE - Once Upon A Time - The Rohingya New content on the Frontier website: 'Ticking time bomb': Shoddy post-quake reconstruction puts more Myanmar lives at risk | |||
| Debrief with Dunant and Thu Thu Aung | 12 Jul 2025 | 00:30:16 | |
With outgoing Frontier Myanmar editor-in-chief Ben Dunant and incoming editor-in-chief Thu Thu Aung. This week on What's Happening in Myanmar, our two editors talk about Frontier and the Myanmar media landscape as Thu Thu takes the reigns from Ben, who is moving on after seven years at Frontier. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— 01m51s :: Introducing Thu Thu Aung Our guests— Thu Thu Aung, Frontier's editor-in-chief New content on the Frontier website: A 'brotherly' fight: Chin factions battle over Indian border Other Frontier reports mentioned in this episode: | |||
| Child Soldiers in the Spotlight | 04 Jul 2025 | 00:31:20 | |
With Shayna Bauchner, Asia researcher for Human Rights Watch, and Thiri, an independent researcher. This week on What's Happening in Myanmar, Belarus support for the Myanmar air force is exposed, another jet goes down, and we discuss the surge in the use of child soldiers by the State Administration Council. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— 01m28s :: Belarus helps Myanmar air force Our guests— Shayna Bauchner, Asia researcher for Human Rights Watch Thiri, an independent researcher working with the same organisation HRW Myanmar: Stop Recruitment, Use of Child Soldiers Other reports mentioned in this episode: ကန်ဒေါင့်ရဲစခန်းတိုက်ပွဲမှာ စစ်မှုထမ်းကလေးစစ်သားတစ်ဦး ဖမ်းမိ UN Secretary General's Annual Report on Children and Armed Conflict | |||
| Widespread Wage Gains for Garment Workers | 28 Jun 2025 | 00:26:35 | |
With Ya Nwe, Frontier Myanmar journalist. This week on What's Happening in Myanmar, gains to workers' wages widen with momentum from May Day, and coup leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing gives a peace performance in earthquake-devastated Nay Pyi Taw. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— 01m21s :: Peace Conference and Belarus Our guests— Ya Nwe, journalist with Frontier Myanmar Striking gold: Myanmar workers score higher wages And new content on the website: 'I try to keep myself busy': Working online in the world's largest refugee camp | |||
| Rohingya Armed Groups Organise | 20 Jun 2025 | 00:33:18 | |
With Thomas Kean, senior consultant for Myanmar and Bangladesh with International Crisis Group. This week on What's Happening in Myanmar, the Arakan Army tightens its noose and expands its buffer zone as soldiers defect in Kyaukphyu and Ngape, and we discuss Rohingya armed group organizing in the refugee camps of Cox's Bazaar, Bangladesh. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— 01m10s :: The Arakan Army's dominant position Our guests— Thomas Kean, senior consultant for Myanmar and Bangladesh with International Crisis Group His new report with International Crisis Group And new content on the website: Striking gold: Myanmar workers score higher wages | |||
| Administrating Ta'ang Land | 13 Jun 2025 | 00:52:19 | |
With Lway Noon, a Ta'ang activist and researcher, and Francesco Buscemi, post-doctoral fellow in geography at the University of Bologna. This week on What's Happening in Myanmar, a jet fighter shot down, fresh hopes for Myanmar workers, and we talk about the new administration in Ta'ang National Liberation Army territory. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— 01m10s :: New ILO resolution Our guests— Francesco Buscemi, post-doctoral fellow in Geography at the University of Bologna: And Lway Noon, Ta'ang activist and researcher New original content on the Frontier website since our last episode: Beyond Rakhine: Arakan Army advance brings hope and fear And also referenced in this episode: | |||
| Resistance Victories on Thai Border | 06 Jun 2025 | 00:39:50 | |
With Tony Neil, PhD candidate in the Department of International Development at the London School of Economics and Political Science and visiting fellow at the Australian National University, and Saw Day Hsi, a Karen researcher in Kawthoolei. This week on What's Happening in Myanmar, floods affect the north and southwest, the Shangri La dialogue generates more politicospeak, and the Karen resistance makes big gains on the Thailand-Myanmar border. Timecodes— 01m19s :: Shangri La dialogue Our guests— Saw Day Hsi, Karen researcher and Kawthoolei native, and Tony Neil, PhD candidate at the London School of Economics and Political Science, and Visiting Fellow at the Australian National University See his bio at LSE New original content on the Frontier website since our last episode: Compensation overload: Insurance companies struggle after quake And also referenced in this episode: The latest episode of Doh Athan | |||
| Malaysia's ASEAN Summit | 30 May 2025 | 00:39:10 | |
With Dr. Monalisa Adhikari, senior lecturer in international politics at the University of Stirling. This week on What's Happening in Myanmar, mass Rohingya drownings at sea, KNLA victories, TNLA defeats, and we discuss the negativity surrounding the recent ASEAN summit in Malaysia and its ineffectual statement on Myanmar. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— 01m07s :: News roundup Our guests— Monalisa Adhikari See her institutional bio here for a list of her publications New original content on the Frontier website since our last episode: Editorial: ASEAN is sliding into irrelevance on Myanmar And also referenced in this episode: Justice For Myanmar's recent report | |||
| India's Assam Rifles Kill Ten from Tamu | 22 May 2025 | 00:30:38 | |
With Angshuman Choudhury, doctoral candidate at the National University of Singapore and King's College London. This week on What's Happening in Myanmar, thousands of workers successfully strike for better factory conditions, and we discuss the murky killing of 10 Myanmar rebels by India's Assam Rifles. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— 01m02s :: Successful strike in Hlaingtharya West Our guests— New content on the Frontier website since our last episode: | |||
| Election Violence Hits Yangon & Shwe Kokko Raided | 21 Nov 2025 | 00:32:49 | |
With Joseph Young, Daily Briefing newsletter writer for Frontier Myanmar. This week on episode 54 of What's Happening in Myanmar, the Karen National Liberation Army takes another border town, the Philippines announces its 2026 ASEAN special envoy on Myanmar, the military raids the Shwe Kokko scam compound, and we talk about China's influence on northern Shan State and what's behind the military's moves in Myawaddy. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me
Timecodes— (00:00) Opening (01:16) Election violence hits Yangon (03:21) New ASEAN special envoy to Myanmar (04:13) KNLA takes Maw Taung & military Magway rampage (06:22) With Joseph Young, the scam raids & updates (21:00) China's peace deals & Mogok (31:35) Close
Our guests— Joseph Young, Daily Briefing newsletter writer at Frontier Myanmar New original content on the Frontier website: Refugee plan out to sea: Bangladesh closes Rohingya island to new arrivals
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| Back to Russia & Schoolchildren Bombed | 15 May 2025 | 00:31:34 | |
With Richard Horsey, senior Myanmar adviser at the International Crisis Group. This week on What's Happening in Myanmar, the military kills dozens of civilians in multiple major air strikes across the country, coup leader Min Aung Hlaing visits Russia again, and we discuss Myanmar's relationship with that country. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— 00m55s :: Air strikes kill children and civilians Our guests— Richard Horsey, Senior Myanmar Adviser at the International Crisis Group. Richard's 2022 report with the International Crisis Group on Myanmar-Russia relations New content on the Frontier website since our last episode: | |||
| TNLA Tensions & Rebel Economies | 08 May 2025 | 00:43:14 | |
With Jared Bissinger, a visiting fellow at the Myanmar Studies Program at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore and research lead at Catalyst Economics. This week on What's Happening in Myanmar, eyes are still on northern Shan State as the military pressures the TNLA after retaking Lashio, and we discuss how armed groups in Myanmar run their economies. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Join the Frontier team! We're seeking a Managing Editor to help lead our newsroom. Find out more here Timecodes— 01m09s :: Northern Shan State news Our guest— Jared Bissinger, a visiting fellow at the Myanmar Studies Program at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore and research lead at Catalyst Economics. His ISEAS and Singapore work: Economic Governance of Non-State Authorities in Myanmar: Potentials and Pitfalls New content on the Frontier website since our last episode: 'They don't represent us': Rohingya armed groups wreak havoc in Rakhine
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| One Month After the Quake | 02 May 2025 | 00:24:32 | |
With Htet Aung, a journalist with Frontier Myanmar. This week on What's Happening in Myanmar, the military floats moving its damaged ministries back to Yangon while killing hundreds of people in the month since the March 28 earthquake, and we discuss the challenges of reporting on the quake and its devastating aftermath in Mandalay and Sagaing. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Join the Frontier team! We're seeking a Managing Editor to help lead our newsroom. Find out more here Timecodes— 01m15s :: A month after the quake Our guests— Htet Aung, independent journalist, and regular contributor to our newsletters and features New content on the Frontier website since our last episode: Striking oil: Magway Region's resource wealth draws junta fire | |||
| Return to Lashio | 24 Apr 2025 | 00:37:50 | |
With Danseng Lawn, director of the Kachinland Research Centre, and independent journalist Lorcan Lovett. This week on What's Happening in Myanmar, the military reoccupies Lashio with help from the MNDAA and China, while still fighting the TNLA nearby, and we discuss the military defeats this month at Falam and Indaw. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— 01m21s :: Lashio back in the fold Our guests— Lorcan Lovett, independent journalist, his On Myanmar Substack And Dan Seng Lawn, Director of the Kachinland Research Centre New content on the Frontier website since our last episode— US aid cuts kneecap Myanmar in fight against tuberculosis | |||
| Army Routed Amid Aftershocks | 10 Apr 2025 | 00:30:17 | |
With Nay Lin, a fundraiser and coordinator of earthquake relief efforts. This week on What's Happening in Myanmar, the military is routed from Falam and Indaw, but looks set to walk into Lashio, and we discuss the challenges meeting humanitarian needs after the earthquake. Note: There will be no episode next week, April 18, due to the Thingyan holiday. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— 1m10s :: War updates Our guest— Nay Lin, coordinating earthquake relief efforts for local communities New content on the website this week: Editorial: Quake response shows where junta's priorities lie 'We didn't find anyone alive': Earthquake buries the faithful at Sagaing religious sites Down and out: Junta offers scant help to homeless civil servants | |||
| Deadly Earthquake & Private Security | 03 Apr 2025 | 00:53:02 | |
With Vicky Bowman, former U.K. ambassador to Myanmar, and director of the Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business. This week on What's Happening in Myanmar, the devastating earthquake of a century, and we discuss the new private security services law and Chinese boots on the ground. Donate for the quake here Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— 1m27s :: Earthquake Our guest— Vicky Bowman, director of the Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business New content on the Frontier website this week: 'We hear screams all the time': Volunteer rescue teams shoulder post-quake burden Facebook's 'lethal carelessness' in Myanmar Embracing the enemy: Resistance forces welcome new defectors | |||
| Forced Recruitment & (non)Violent Resistance | 27 Mar 2025 | 00:34:46 | |
With Ye Htet, a scholar and trainer in nonviolent resistance at the Freedom Fighter Myanmar organisation. This week on What's Happening in Myanmar, the Arakan Army fights on and looks set to forcibly recruit, Aung Zeya pulls back, and we discuss transitional justice and nonviolent resistance to military rule. Fill out the listener survey Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— 1m15s :: News round-up Our guest— Ye Htet, a scholar and trainer in nonviolent resistance at the Freedom Fighter Myanmar organisation | |||
| Free Media Threatened & Chinland United? | 20 Mar 2025 | 00:46:04 | |
With Daw Khin Soe Win, previously chief of the Voice of America Burmese service, and Salai Dokhar, founder of India for Myanmar. This week on What's Happening in Myanmar, the leader of ARSA is arrested, the Arakan Army continues its military victories, we talk about the United States gutting the Voice of America, and also the new political umbrella organisation of Chin resistance groups. Fill out the listener survey Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— 1m10s :: News from Rakhine State and the region Our guests— Daw Khin Soe Win, previously chief of the Voice of America Burmese service: She interviewed Dau Aung San Suu Kyi after release from house arrest in 2011, and this is one of her most cherished memories. And Salai Dokhar, the founder of India for Myanmar, a group based in India advocating for human rights and democracy in Myanmar: From neighbors to negotiators: India's role in resolving the Myanmar crisis And for a press freedom insider's take on what's happened to Voice of America, try this piece by Liam Scott And don't forget to check out Frontier's reflection on Naing Myanmar | |||
| New Moment for the NMSP? | 14 Mar 2025 | 00:40:45 | |
With Andrew Nachemson, former managing editor of Frontier Myanmar, and a freelance journalist. This week on What's Happening in Myanmar, the military signs investment deals and signals more to come, as fresh sanctions and expropriations target the regime and its cronies. Andy and I speak about the unique political and conflict context in Mon State, through the lens of the New Mon State Party and its revolutionary faction, the New Mon State Party-Anti Dictatorship. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— 1m01s :: Weekly news digest Our guest— Andrew Nachemson, former Managing Editor of Frontier, and a freelance journalist. Andy has many publications available via Google, and the article we discuss will be dropping on Frontier's website next week. But for more context, check out his January dispatch from Karen State for Al Jazeera. And for more information on this week's sanctions, see the Justice for Myanmar press releases about Canada and Switzerland. | |||
| Russia and the Possibilities for ASEAN | 07 Mar 2025 | 00:41:46 | |
With Dr. Evan A. Laksmana, Shangri-La Dialogue Senior Fellow for Southeast Asian Security and Defence, and Editor of the Asia-Pacific Regional Security Assessment, at the International Institute for Strategic Studies. This week on What's Happening in Myanmar, Min Aung Hlaing visits Russia with great fanfare, while resistance forces cohere—and attack each other. We discuss with Evan the prospects for any meaningful action on Myanmar from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— 0m52s :: Resistance fractures and coheres Our guests— Dr Evan A. Laksmana, Shangri-La Dialogue Senior Fellow for Southeast Asian Security and Defence, and Editor of the Asia-Pacific Regional Security Assessment, at the International Institute for Strategic Studies. https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=mkZfQnAAAAAJ&hl=en Frontier's recent content referred to in the podcast: | |||
| U.S. Scam Task Force & Rohingya Boat Tragedy | 15 Nov 2025 | 00:28:33 | |
With Khin Hnin Phyu Soe, freelance journalist. This week on episode 53 of What's Happening in Myanmar, the US steps up its fight against scams in Southeast Asia as the regime continues its demolitions at KK Park, another Rohingya boat tragedy occurs, the military kills over 20 civilians in its attacks around the country, and we discuss the increase in underage girls marrying to avoid conscription. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes—
(00:00) Opening (00:59) U.S. anti-scam task force and KK park in limbo (04:30) Rohingya boat tragedy off Langkawi (05:52) Conflict updates and civilian deaths (09:05) With Khin Hnin Phyu Soe, underage marriage (14:05) Options for avoiding conscription (27:27) Close
Our guests— Khin Hnin Phyu Soe, freelance journalist. Early to wed: Myanmar girls marry to avoid military service
New original content on the Frontier website: PR ploy: Junta scam centre raid changes little
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| Sittwe Set On & the Military Upgrades Drones | 28 Feb 2025 | 00:35:26 | |
With Ko Kyaw Naing, an employee since 2012 of a civil society organization in Rakhine State, and also another unnamed guest, a Rohingya youth living in Sittwe. This week on What's Happening in Myanmar, the military stocks drones in Karen State, more chemical weapons accusations, some scam workers go free, and we speak about the impending attack on the Rakhine State capital, Sittwe. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— 1m33s :: Weekly news digest Our guests— Ko Kyaw Naing, an employee since 2012 of a civil society organization in Rakhine State. Our second guest is an unnamed Rohingya youth, currently living in Sittwe, who declined to use a pseudonym. There are no links or publications from our listeners this week, but we do refer to the Frontier feature from last year, No smoke without fire? Chemical weapons accusations continue. And Frontier's other free content this week: Rethinking ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus Killing creativity: The junta's cultural crusade Severed lifelines: Tanintharyi communities starved of food and medicine | |||
| SAC Sanctions & Restricting Revenue | 21 Feb 2025 | 00:38:53 | |
With Sean Turnell, Senior Fellow at the Lowy Institute. This week on What's Happening in Myanmar, the military ships nearly 1,000 Rohingya from Yangon to wartorn Sittwe, Chinese are repatriated from border scam compounds, and we speak about the military's access to foreign exchange and other finance matters in the wake of the new report, The Military, Money, and Myanmar: Breaking the Nexus. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— 1m15s :: Weekly news digest Our guest— Sean Turnell, Honorary Professor of Economics at Macquarie University, Senior Fellow at the Lowy Institute, and author of the 1999 book Fiery Dragons: Banks, Moneylenders and Microfinance in Burma, and more recently, An Unlikely Prisoner: How an Eternal Optimist Found Hope in Myanmar's Most Notorious Jail. Sean advised the National League for Democracy government on economic matters from 2016-2020, was detained and locked up by the military for 650 days following the 2021 coup, and now serves as Special Advisor to the alternative National Unity Government's Interim Central Bank. The Military, Money, and Myanmar: Breaking the Nexus And here's links to the Frontier Myanmar interviews with Dr Sui Khar and Thai opposition MP Rangsiman Rome. | |||
| Scam Pressure & Strikes on Sittwe | 14 Feb 2025 | 00:35:42 | |
With Sue-Lin Wong, Southeast Asia correspondent for The Economist. This week on What's Happening in Myanmar, ASEAN continues talking consensus, Sittwe fighting begins in earnest, and we speak about the scam industry in the region, as hundreds of trafficked victims go free from Myawaddy. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— 0m58s :: Weekly news digest Our guest— Sue-Lin Wong, Southeast Asia correspondent for The Economist. Online scams may already be as big a scourge as illegal drugs And read Frontier's editorial this week on the dangers posed by Elon Musk. | |||
| Panic for Fuel & Fighting for Falam | 07 Feb 2025 | 00:39:23 | |
With Lorcan Lovett, independent journalist and Substack writer, with bylines in The Guardian, Al Jazeera, the Sunday Times and more. This week on What's Happening in Myanmar, conscripts are barred from monasteries, fuel dries up at key border towns, and we discuss the final fight in the Chin National Defense Force push for Falam, in Chin State. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— 0m54s :: Weekly news digest Our guest— Lorcan Lovett, an independent journalist and Substack writer. Lorcan's Substack, "On Myanmar" His first Chin State dispatch: "They plucked out his eye with a motorbike key … I wanted to kill them" And— The Institute of Chin Affairs report referred to in this podcast can be found here. For more context on the Chin resistance split, check out this Frontier feature from last year. | |||
| America First, Myanmar Last? | 01 Feb 2025 | 00:31:43 | |
With Erin Murphy, author of the book Burmese Haze and Senior Fellow at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, and Minnie, a Myanmar INGO practitioner actively engaged in various initiatives related to gender equality, social inclusion, democracy and human rights. Through USAID funding, her work has focused on projects that aim to create a more transparent government, civic inclusion, and include the voices of marginalized communities. This week on What's Happening in Myanmar, Chinese representatives visit Lashio, Bhamo airport is lost to the Kachin Independence Army, and we talk all about the USAID funding freeze. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— 1m36s :: Weekly news digest 5m32s :: With Erin & Minnie, USAID funding freeze 9m28s :: Forewarning and U.S. strategy 15m50s :: Importance of USAID to Myanmar 21m09s :: Effect on AID workers 24m59s :: Near term future 30m47s :: Close Our guests— Erin Murphy, author of the book Burmese Haze and Senior Fellow at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies. Minnie, a Myanmar INGO practitioner actively engaged in various initiatives related to gender equality, social inclusion, democracy and human rights. | |||
| Kokang Ceasefire & Cybersecurity | 24 Jan 2025 | 00:33:16 | |
With Vox, a Digital Security Trainer from the Myanmar Internet Project (MIP) and Spring Revolution Security (SRS). This week on What's Happening in Myanmar, the MNDAA signs a ceasefire, nearly everyone talks scam centres, the Arakan Army pushes further towards the beach resort town of Chaungtha, and we discuss the new Cybersecurity Law enacted on January 1. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— 1m26s :: Weekly news digest Vox, a Digital Security Trainer from the Myanmar Internet Project and Spring Revolution Security. | |||
| Battling for Bhamo | 18 Jan 2025 | 00:20:52 | |
With Hka San Lwi, Editor-in-Chief of Kachin Waves. This week on What's Happening in Myanmar, a deadly landslide hits Hpakant, the National Unity Government moots setting up shop in Sagaing, the State Administration Council bans LGBT publications, and we discuss the ongoing battle for Bhamo and the importance of that city in northern Myanmar. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— 1m33s :: Weekly news digest Our guest— Hka San Lwi, Editor-in-Chief of Kachin Waves: https://kachinwaves.com/ | |||
| Amnesty, Aung Zaya, & Karen Revolution Debrief | 10 Jan 2025 | 00:36:25 | |
With Andrew Nachemson, former Managing Editor of Frontier Myanmar, and freelance journalist. This week on What's Happening in Myanmar, the military regime pardons thousands of prisoners, Arakan Army fighting expands into Ayeyarwady Region, a Chinese celebrity is trafficked and rescued in Myawaddy, and we discuss the revolution in Karen State, including the fate of the Aung Zaya column, Border Guard Force politics, and the Karen National Union's administration. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— 0m46s :: Weekly news digest Our guest— Andrew Nachemson, former Managing Editor of Frontier Myanmar and freelance journalist: Myanmar anti-coup forces target Mandalay in struggle to oust military Where the Resistance Rules in Myanmar Myanmar's Armed Groups And Democracy Activists Are Joining Forces | |||
| Bangladesh & the New Rakhine State | 03 Jan 2025 | 00:34:37 | |
With Laetitia van den Assum, former Dutch ambassador to Myanmar and member of the 2016-2017 Advisory Commission on Rakhine State. This fortnight on What's Happening in Myanmar, the military loses more towns in Rakhine and Chin states, internet and motion picture laws are tightened by the State Administration Council, and we discuss Bangladesh's hopes for a conference on the Rohingya crisis and Rakhine State under Arakan Army rule from an international perspective. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— 1m15s :: Weekly news digest 6m02s :: With Laetitia, the Rakhine Commission 33m10s :: Close Laetitia van den Assum, former Dutch ambassador first posted to Southeast Asia in 1995, then accredited as ambassador to Myanmar from Bangkok, and member of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State in 2016: Bangladesh, the Rohingya and the new reality in Rakhine And as a bonus link, given cinema censorship is in the news again this week, check out the short film Ban That Scene: | |||
| Mental Health, Addiction, & Conflict | 20 Dec 2024 | 00:32:04 | |
With Ramona Drosner, Swiss journalist who completed a fellowship at Frontier, and Su Mon, Senior Analyst for the Asia-Pacific at the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project. This week on What's Happening in Myanmar, the Western Regional Military Command has fallen to the Arakan Army, mental health and addiction are being managed by communities on the Thailand border, and we do a review of conflict in the country for the year 2024. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— 1m11s :: Weekly news digest Our guests— Ramona Drosner, Swiss journalist who completed a fellowship at Frontier: The damage done: Fighting drug addiction inside Thailand's largest refugee camp And here is a list of Burmese language mental health resources— Counselling Corner, an organisation providing counselling, family and group therapy | |||
| The Future of Mogok & Murmurings on Myitsone | 07 Nov 2025 | 00:38:36 | |
With Laur Kiik, Burma studies researcher and postdoctoral fellow at the University of Oslo. This week on episode 52 of What's Happening in Myanmar, the military detains civilians for supposedly criticising its so-called elections, the fallout from demolitions at KK Park scam compound increases, and we discuss livelihoods at the Myitsone confluence in Kachin State—including the likelihood of the Myitsone dam hydropower project being resumed.
Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me
Timecodes—
(00:00) Opening (01:02) KK park demolition fallout (02:36) Military advances and Mogok in suspension (04:20) Detention of election "critics" (05:58) With Laur Kiik, Myitsone suspension (13:26) Myitsone villages (28:53) Gold mining at Myitsone (38:28) Close
Our guests—
Laur Kiik, Burma Studies researcher and postdoctoral fellow at the University of Oslo.
Rural resistance under a golden dictatorship, part 1: Rural resistance under a golden dictatorship, part 2: the
New original content on the Frontier website:
'Living in fear of the sky': Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh battle environmental crisis
Further referenced this episode:
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| Military Loses Maungdaw | 13 Dec 2024 | 00:49:55 | |
With Zaw Win, Human Rights Specialist at Fortify Rights, and Hafsar Tameesuddin, Rohingya Activist and Co-Secretary General of the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network. This week on What's Happening in Myanmar, Maungdaw falls under Arakan Army control and we discuss what happens to the increasing number of Rohingya people who take desperate and dangerous boat journeys south from Myanmar and Bangladesh. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes: 1m24s :: Weekly news digest Our guests— Zaw Win, Human Rights Specialist at Fortify Rights: Myanmar's Rohingya: From genocide to forced conscription | |||
| Mizoram Refugees & the Chin-Rakhine Nexus | 06 Dec 2024 | 00:38:18 | |
With R. Lakher, independent Chin analyst. This week on What's Happening in Myanmar, the MNDAA makes a (genuine?) sue for peace, and we discuss armed resistance politics in Chin and Rakhine states. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes: 1m07s :: Weekly news digest Our guest— R. Lakher, independent Chin analyst: India must do more for Myanmar refugees in Mizoram For listeners interested in supporting the Mizoram refugee community, he recommends the organisation Lakher Social Welfare Foundation. | |||
| International Criminal at Large | 29 Nov 2024 | 00:45:20 | |
With Zarni, Senior Producer of Doh Athan, and Joe Freeman, Myanmar Researcher at Amnesty International. This week on What's Happening in Myanmar, the ICC applies for an arrest warrant for Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, traumatized Rohingya arrive in Bangladesh, and we get a behind-the-scenes peek at Doh Athan, the sister podcast in the Frontier Myanmar family. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes: 1m04s :: Weekly news digest 4m42s :: Arrest warrant requested for Min Aung Hlaing 18m06s :: Behind the scenes at Doh Athan 32m10s :: IDPs suffering malnutrition as aid declines 44m20s :: Close Our guests— Joe Freeman, Myanmar researcher at Amnesty International: Amnesty International Myanmar: New attacks against Rohingya a disturbing echo of 2017 mass violence A Future Myanmar Must Include the Rohingya Zarni, Senior Producer at Doh Athan: | |||
| Factory Strikes & The Border View from Bangladesh | 22 Nov 2024 | 00:35:26 | |
With Ko Maung, labor rights activist, and Matthew Brunwasser, independent journalist. This week in What's Happening in Myanmar we discuss the ongoing Charis strike in Hlaingtharya and Myanmar army attacks on Bangladesh fisherman on the Naf river. Timecodes: 1m07s :: Weekly news digest 2m10s :: Charis strikes and post-coup industrial relations 22m03s :: Life and Death on the Bangladesh Border 34m20s :: Close Our guests— Matthew Brunwasser, independent journalist: Matthew Brunwasser's website and articles Ko Maung, labor activist, organizer, researcher: Workers' self-organisation under military rule: challenges and opportunities in post-coup Myanmar | |||