Explore every episode of the podcast What's Happening in Myanmar
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Min Aung Hlaing's Interview | 25 sept. 2026 | 00:06:06 | |
This week on Season 2, Episode 24 of What's Happening in Myanmar; Min Aung Hlaing gives his first interview to a Western outlet since the 2021 coup, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army holds its first talks with the junta and a report details women political prisoner abuse in prison. Please click the link to join us: https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/membership/ https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/recovery-will-take-time-sagaing-region-grapples-with-floods/
Timecodes: (00:09) Intro (00:36) Min Aung Hlaing's talks to Time magazine (01:10) Malaysia repatriation condemned (01:46) MNDAA holds talks in Nay Pyi Taw (02:17) Women prisoners targeted (02:45) Appeal (03:40) Forced conscription (04:07) Arakan Army forms press council (04:38) From the frontlines (05:34) Outro | |||
| Norway probes Telenor | 18 sept. 2026 | 00:05:05 | |
This week on Season 2, Episode 23 of What's Happening in Myanmar; Norway probes Telenor over alleged Myanmar crimes while the junta targets UN envoy, and Malaysia seeks Rohingya repatriation talks. Please click the link to join us: https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/membership/ https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/recovery-will-take-time-sagaing-region-grapples-with-floods/ Timecodes: (00:08) Intro (00:30) Norway investigates Telenor for Myanmar crimes (00:51) Min Aung Hlaing courts Cambodia (01:13) Malaysia invites Min Aung Hlaing for Rohingya repatriation push (01:34) Junta condemns UN envoy (01:58) Appeal (02:51) USDP convention begins amid disagreement (03:22) Dozens escape resistance prison in Chin (03:36) HIV drug shortage hits Kachin (03:58) From the frontlines (04:32) Outro | |||
| Flights halted | 11 sept. 2026 | 00:05:37 | |
This week on Season 2, Episode 22 of What's Happening in Myanmar; resistance attacks airport as Min Aung Hlaing continues his diplomatic tour abroad, and a post-coup mining boom is helping fund the conflict while creating environmental damage. Please click the link to join us: https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/membership/ https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/every-day-i-cry-rohingya-vulnerable-to-exploitation-in-malaysia/ https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/the-military-elephant-in-the-room/ https://www.facebook.com/reel/2030509737583140 Timecodes: (00:09) Intro (00:33) Min Aung Hlaing's International Tour (01:19) UN Calls for ICC referral as regime launches offensive (01:45) Conscription drags amid abductions and corruption (02:19) Appeal (03:16) Justice for NUG official? (03:43) Resistance attacks airport (04:14) Explosion in Shan (04:48) Mining boom funds war (05:12) Outro | |||
| UN not involved in repatriation | 04 sept. 2026 | 00:06:42 | |
This week on Season 2, Episode 21 of What's Happening in Myanmar; the UN says it is not involved in repatriation of Myanmar refugees in Malaysia, the Kachin Independence Army claims they have destroyed a regime flotilla, and a Myanmar human rights activist wins a major public-service award. Please click the link to join us: https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/membership/ https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/every-day-i-cry-rohingya-vulnerable-to-exploitation-in-malaysia/ https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/the-military-elephant-in-the-room/ https://www.facebook.com/reel/2030509737583140
Timecodes: (00:09) Intro (00:35) UN not involved in repatriation (01:07) Resistance leader dies (01:36) Award for dissident (02:01) Massacre (02:45) Appeal (03:41) From the frontlines (05:04) Forced conscription in Kachin (05:30) Political rifts (05:45) Flooding (06:13) Outro | |||
| Refugees to be sent back | 28 août 2026 | 00:05:38 | |
This week on Season 2, Episode 20 of What's Happening in Myanmar; Malaysia set to deport refugees, regime airstrikes kill civilians at monasteries, and the Rohingya mark anniversary of killings. Please click the link to join us: https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/membership/ https://www.facebook.com/reel/2030509737583140
Timecodes: (00:09) Intro (00:32) Malaysia to repatriate Rohingya (01:07) Rohingya Protests (01:55) Junta leader to hold by-elections (02:37) Monastery attack (03:11) Appeal (04:07) Mass graves discovered (04:42) Clashes in Shan (05:05) Outro | |||
| Russia visit | 21 août 2026 | 00:07:11 | |
This week on Season 2, Episode 19 of What's Happening in Myanmar, Min Aung Hlaing visits Russia, resistance kills regime officials and disputed Rohingya repatriation efforts continue amid deadly airstrikes. Please click the link to join us: https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/membership/ https://www.facebook.com/reel/2030509737583140
Timecodes: (00:09) Intro (00:39) Min Aung Hlaing meets Russian President (01:12) Rohingya repatriation dispute (01:56) Resistance targets regime officials (02:39) Appeal (03:37) Airstrikes against civilians (04:19) Fighting in Magway Region (05:36) US citizen Min Zin wrongfully detained (06:39) Outro | |||
| Deadly flooding | 14 août 2026 | 00:07:30 | |
This week on Season 2, Episode 18 of What's Happening in Myanmar, Min Aung Hlaing returns from Thailand as floods kill dozens, junta airstrikes hit civilians, opposition groups unite, and Rohingya face forced conscription and fighting breaks out in Mongmit. Please click the link to join us: https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/membership/ https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/weaponising-religion-nationalist-monks-bolster-regime-oppression/ https://www.facebook.com/reel/2030509737583140 Timecodes: (00:010) Intro (00:34) Junta leader wraps Thai trip (01:09) Flood devastation (01:55) Airstrikes in Rakhine State (02:16) Opposition groups form alliance (03:52) Appeal (03:46) UN report documents abuses (04:25) Diarrhoea outbreak (04:51) Former ambassador on trial (05:10) NDAA and SSPP in Nay Pyi Taw (05:35) Rohingya conscription (06:11) Fighting resumes in Mongmit (07:02) Outro | |||
| MAH's diplomatic offensive | 07 août 2026 | 00:09:29 | |
This week on Season 2, Episode 17 of What's Happening in Myanmar, Min Aung Hlaing addresses parliament on his first 100 days as president, the Red Cross meets with jailed counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, and the junta leader visits Thailand.
Please click the link to join us: https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/membership/ Timecodes: (00:09) Intro (00:32) Min Aung Hlaing first 100 days (01:43) Abuse in Shan State (02:24) ICRC visits Aung San Suu Kyi (03:33) Appeal (04:20) USWA demands state (05:23) From the frontlines (06:04) Conscription chaos (06:44) Award for jailed photographer (07:15) Malaysia backtracks? (08:11) Junta leader visits Thailand (09:16) Outro | |||
| Junta abducts the vulnerable | 31 juil. 2026 | 00:08:27 | |
This week on Season 2, Episode 16 of What's Happening in Myanmar, National Unity Government fines villagers for sending children to regime schools, while the junta abducts vulnerable people for conscription. Rohingya in Malaysia face deportations after mass detentions and Thailand targets a junta ally for human trafficking as the regime passes a death penalty for scammers.
Please click the link to join us: https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/membership/ Timecodes: (00:09) Intro (00:39) NUG's education edict (01:27) Pollution (02:03) Air strikes and drone attacks (02:48) Assassinations of junta administrators (03:22) Appeal (04:09) Junta abducts the vulnerable (04:54) Rohingya persecution (06:09) KNU rejects scam claims (07:06) Death penalty for scammers (08:17) Outro | |||
| A separate path to peace | 24 juil. 2026 | 00:09:36 | |
This week on Season 2, Episode 15 of What's Happening in Myanmar, ASEAN convened in the Philippines to address Myanmar's crisis, the TNLA held unprecedented talks with the junta, Malaysia to implement own refugee system, the junta continues its forced conscription campaign and fuel and egg prices surge. Please click the link to join us: https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/membership/ Timecodes: (00:09) Intro (00:39) ASEAN meets in the Philippines (02:14) Ethnic armed groups pursue a separate peace (03:58) Deaths in detention (04:53) Appeal (05:40) Malaysia to implement own refugee system (06:34) Fuel and egg prices surge (07:55) Conscriptions and clashes (09:26) Outro | |||
| Rohingya tragedy | 17 juil. 2026 | 00:06:58 | |
This week on Season 2, Episode 14 of What's Happening in Myanmar, ASEAN met with the junta sparking a NUG warning, heavy resistance losses in Magway and deadly airstrikes on civilians continued as a Rohingya boat tragedy unfolded.
Please click the link to join us: https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/membership/ Timecodes: (00:09) Intro (00:38) Rohingya tragedy, hundreds feared dead (02:04) Diplomatic shift (03:46) Resistance victories and defeats (04:48) Appeal (05:34) Territorial standoffs (06:23) Further attacks on civilians (06:49) Outro | |||
| Courting ASEAN | 10 juil. 2026 | 00:08:11 | |
This week on Season 2, Episode 13 of What's Happening in Myanmar, junta leader Min Aung Hlaing sought legitimacy in Laos while resistance infighting surged at home, protests against cross-border pollution turned violent in Thailand, a Starlink shutdown threatened resistance communications with landslides devastated Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh.
Please click the link to join us: https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/membership/ Timecodes: (00:10) Intro (00:39) Min Aung Hlaing seeks legitimacy (01:41) ASEAN's Myanmar Dilemma (02:35) Resistance infighting continues (03:23) Builder of collapsed apartment is jailed (03:47) Protests in Thailand (04:21) Starlink shutdown hits resistance (04:47) Resistance raids own police (05:17) Appeal (06:03) Landslides kill school children (07:21) Junta claims control of strategic highway (07:44) Ethnic armed groups clash (08:02) Outro | |||
| Resistance under strain | 03 juil. 2026 | 00:08:27 | |
This week on Season 2, Episode 12 of What's Happening in Myanmar, infighting deepened divisions within the resistance movement as the National Unity Government struggled to maintain order, the Arakan Army pressed its advantage and unveiled a new banking system, Min Aung Hlaing strengthened ties with international allies, and a controversial dam project returned to the spotlight.
Please click the link to join us: https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/membership/ Timecodes: (00:09) Intro (00:39) Murder in the ranks (01:44) Infighting erupts in Monywa (02:41) Appeal (03:38) Advances in Rakhine (04:47) PDF executions (05:25) Diplomacy and controversy (06:40) AA to establish banking system (07:48) The cost of war (08:18) Outro | |||
| Myanmar's civilian toll | 26 juin 2026 | 00:08:49 | |
This week on Season 2, Episode 11 of What's Happening in Myanmar, the junta claims battlefield victories, internal resistance conflicts escalate, refugees gain new rights in Thailand, and a damning UN report details civilian casualties.
Please click the link to join us: https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/membership/ Timecodes: (00:10) Intro (00:35) Junta's battlefield victories (01:06) Refugees in Thailand issued ids (01:49) Tensions between the NUG and PLA (02:56) The junta meets with powerful ethnic armed groups (03:36) UN reports 702 killed (04:19) Appeal (05:06) Over 5,000 trapped in scam centres (05:38) Magway-PDF destroys helicopter (06:08) Media reach declines since coup (06:56) Malaysian FM Discusses Myanmar (08:01) Smuggled monologue from jailed PDF founder (08:40) Outro | |||
| Arrests, strikes and birthdays | 19 juin 2026 | 00:10:53 | |
This week on Season 2, Episode 10 of What's Happening in Myanmar, United States citizens are arrested in China and Myanmar, resistance groups are accused of killing civilians, the junta holds peace talks while the World Bank downgrades economic growth for the country, and NLD symbols are removed ahead of Aung San Suu Kyi's birthday.
Please click the link to join us: https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/membership/
Timecodes: (00:08) Intro (00:36) US citizens arrested (01:48) Junta's peace efforts with ethnic groups (02:45) Resistance forces accused of civilian killings and abuses (03:45) Internal resistance conflicts and corruption scandals (04:56) Economic challenges and World Bank forecast (05:50) Appeal (06:38) NLD targeted ahead of Aung San Suu Kyi's birthday (07:45) Rohingya refugee situation and regional response (08:30) Public executions in northern Shan (09:09) Junta attacks (09:58) Migrant school scandal in Thailand (10:44) Outro | |||
| Resistance gains & US legal moves | 12 juin 2026 | 00:09:57 | |
This week on Season 2, Episode 9 of What's Happening in Myanmar, resistance forces win key battles as the US court challenges junta policies and ASEAN shifts its diplomatic approach amid intensifying conflict.
Please click the link to join us: https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/membership/
Timecodes— (00:10) Intro (00:41) Resistance advances in Magway Region (01:33) US court ruling on Myanmar immigration (02:37) China-Myanmar relations strengthen (03:29) Education battleground in southern Myanmar (04:21) Kachin conflict intensifies (05:16) Appeal (06:04) Forced recruitment and border crossings (07:50) Singapore arms trade and atrocities in Pakkoku (08:51) Min Zin arrested in China (09:44) Outro | |||
| Tragic accident in northern Shan | 05 juin 2026 | 00:12:03 | |
This week on Season 2, Episode 8 of What's Happening in Myanmar, a deadly explosion in Namkham, Chin State fighting continues, Min Aung Hlaing continues his visit to India and another junta convoy moves north.
Please click the link to join us: https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/membership/
Timecodes— (00:08) Intro (00:44) Explosion in northern Shan (02:04) Min Aung Hlaing's India Visit (03:31) Fighting intensifies in Chin State (04:45) Prominent filmmaker dies (06:36) Appeal (07:29) Education under fire (08:42) Military movements in Kachin (09:53) Civilian casualties in the Dry Zone (10:57) Resistance camp raided in Magway (11:49) Outro | |||
| Resistance divides as fighting rages | 29 mai 2026 | 00:09:22 | |
This week on Season 2, Episode 7 of What's Happening in Myanmar, Min Aung Hlaing to visit India, the KIA and PDFs launched counter-offensives in Sagaing. Troubling infighting between resistance groups in Mingin turned deadly, while the regime advanced in Chin State, displacing thousands.
Please click the link to join us: https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/membership/
Timecodes— (00:05) Intro (00:28) Min Aung Hlaing's India visit (01:26) KIA and PDF Hit Back in Sagaing (02:50) China tries more Kokang scammers (04:44) Resistance Infighting in Mingin (05:31) Appeal (06:26) Resistance Takes Pyusawhti Base (07:21) Resistance Feud Turns Bloody (07:41) Regime Advances in Chin (08:45) Access to Menstrual Products (08:45) IDP Dies in PDF Custody (08:45) Outro | |||
| Fractures, atrocities & a broken school system | 22 mai 2026 | 00:08:54 | |
This week on Season 2, Episode 6 of What's Happening in Myanmar, Chin resistance fractures amid regime offensives; Human Rights Watch accuses the Arakan Army of a Rohingya massacre. On the diplomatic front, Malaysia engages junta and trafficked scam workers are forced into rare earth mines, and a new Shan bank challenges the regime's financial control.
Please click the link to join us: https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/membership/
Timecodes— (00:05) Intro (00:28) Chin resistance turns inward (01:26) Scam crackdowns and forced labour (02:50) Massacre allegations in Rakhine (04:44) Frontier appeal (05:31) Regime advances on multiple fronts (06:26) Malaysia's diplomatic pivot (07:21) Banking denials (07:41) Test for dropouts (08:45) Outro | |||
| Regime gains, diplomatic drift | 15 mai 2026 | 00:07:54 | |
This week on Season 2, Episode 5 of What's Happening in Myanmar, ASEAN split on Myanmar talks as regime Foreign Minister to attend virtually; military offensives in Chin and Sagaing with conscripted troops; rights abuses in Shan; death penalty proposed for scam centres and PDFs ban Starlink.
Please click the link to join us: https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/membership/
Timecodes— (00:05) Intro (00:18) ASEAN divided (01:42) Conscription drive (02:32) Chin offensive (03:12) Abuses in Northern Shan (3:52) Freedom to write (04:18) Frontier appeal (05:03) Anti-scam law (05:47) Northern Shan Stakes (06:31) The Remittance Trap (07:06) Starlink Restrictions (07:45) Outro | |||
| Suu Kyi proof-of-life & battle gains | 08 mai 2026 | 00:06:40 | |
This week on Season 2, Episode 4 of What's Happening in Myanmar, Suu Kyi was reportedly moved to house arrest amid scepticism, while fighting intensified as the military retook key towns. International legal action and ASEAN diplomacy continued amid growing scrutiny of the crisis. Please click the link to join us, in the podcast show notes https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/membership/
Timecodes— (00:16) Intro (00:35) ASSK moved to house arrest (02:15) Regime increases battlefield gains (03:39) International lobbying and accountability (05:35) ASEAN summit grapples with crisis (06:31) Close
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| Suu Kyi Moved, China ties, wins & crackdowns | 01 mai 2026 | 00:07:24 | |
This week on Season 2, Episode 3 of What's Happening in Myanmar, the junta says Aung San Suu Kyi 'moved to house arrest', claims battlefield victories, and secures China's backing while cracking down on journalists. Resistance groups, meanwhile, are fractured by internal conflict and exhaustion.
Please click the link to join us, in the podcast show notes https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/membership/
Timecodes— (00:05) Intro (00:17) Aung San Suu Kyi 'moved to house arrest' (00:59) Regime victories and fractured alliances (02:03) China's endorsement and the Myitsone dam (03:38) Press crackdown (05:02) Crisis at Frontier (05:52) Resistance under fire (07:14) Close
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| Offering amnesties, dropping bombs | 01 mai 2026 | 00:07:45 | |
This week on Season 2, Episode 2 of What's Happening in Myanmar, the junta grants a New Year amnesty but kept key leaders under surveillance. Airstrikes killed civilians during the holiday, while peace talks were rejected. The opposition and observers of the crisis see these moves by the 'new' government as little more than tactical. Please click the link to join us, in the podcast show notes https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/membership/
Timecodes— (00:22) Amnesty, airstrikes, and resistance (00:48) Selective releases, continued repression (02:55) Holiday airstrikes and civilian casualties (04:05) TNLA political fallout (04:47) Kayin conflict spillovers into Thailand (05:33) Min Aung Hlaing's 100-day plan (06:28) Diplomatic engagements and peace rejection (07:06) Close - an appeal
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| Same junta, 'new' government | 10 avr. 2026 | 00:08:41 | |
This week on Season 2, Episode 1 of What's Happening in Myanmar, junta chief Min Aung Hlaing becomes president to no one's surprise, drawing global condemnation while allies like China and Russia offered congratulations. Activists file a genocide case in Indonesia and a class action suit against Telenor. Amid a severe fuel crisis, the junta forms a new cabinet, while fears of new cyber scam hubs emerge. Please click the link to join us, in the podcast show notes https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/membership/
Timecodes— (00:00) Opening (0:19) The 'new' government (3:53) Rohingya legal case (4:36) Deepening fuel crisis (6:32) Legal action against Telenor (7:29) Scam centres reemerge (8:18) Close
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| From power shift to fuel crisis | 04 avr. 2026 | 00:09:15 | |
This fortnight on episode 67 of What's Happening in Myanmar, Min Aung Hlaing takes the presidency, a fuel crisis hits the petrol pumps in reaction to the widening war in the Middle East, forced conscription, a new council for federal democracy is launched and we look at the plight of the Rohingya. Please click the link to join us, in the podcast show notes https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/membership/ Timecodes— (00:00) Opening (1:42) Election of MAH as president (2:53) The fuel crisis (6:19) Six groups launch council for federal democracy push (7:09)Forced conscription into resistance forces (7:37)Plight of Rohingya refugees (8:53) Close Referenced this episode: https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/war-is-turning-rakhine-state-into-a-mine-field/
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| Preparation for a President | 23 mars 2026 | 00:20:22 | |
With Nic Dunlop, features editor at Frontier Myanmar. Today on episode 66 of What's Happening in Myanmar, coup leader Min Aung Hlaing is expected to be elected president later this month as both houses of parliament convene following the military's so-called election, the Three Brotherhood Alliance fractures as the MNDAA attacks the TNLA in Kutkai and takes control of a key trade route to China, and we discuss the future of the podcast. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Our guests— Nic Dunlop, features editor at Frontier Myanmar New original content on the Frontier website: Eid far from home: Rohingya refugees celebrate with nostalgia Myanmar's salvation will not come from Washington 'Stabbing the heart' of Myanmar: Junta moves to restart controversial dam project | |||
| The Climate-Conflict Nexus | 06 mars 2026 | 00:49:46 | |
With Helene Maria Kyed and Justine Chambers, both social anthropologists and senior researchers at the Danish Institute for International Studies, and Ah Lynn, researcher from northwest Myanmar. This fortnight on episode 65 of What's Happening in Myanmar, parliament is set to convene as rumours persist about potential appointments, including Min Aung Hlaing taking the presidency, a fuel crisis hits the petrol pumps in reaction to the widening war in the Middle East, and we discuss the climate change-conflict nexus and how people are experiencing climate change in Myanmar. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— (00:00) Opening (02:09) Dates of parliament announced (04:00) Fuel crisis and military assuagement (06:48) With Helene Maria Kyed, Justine Chambers, & Ah Lynn, the climate-conflict nexus (17:17) New special issue with climate research (36:25) Challenges in mitigating and adapting to effects of climate change (49:11) Close
Our guests— Helene Maria Kyed and Justine Chambers, social anthropologists and senior researchers at the Danish Institute for International Studies New original content on the Frontier website: Rakhine relapse: Yaba returns to wartorn communities in western Myanmar Referenced this episode: | |||
| Resistance In-fighting Amid Election Results | 20 févr. 2026 | 00:48:28 | |
With Jason Tower, senior expert, Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime. This fortnight on episode 64 of What's Happening in Myanmar, the military publishes full results for its pre-determined election, military appointees are assigned to parliament, the USDP negotiates with the regime on the make-up of government, and we discuss intra-resistance infighting and the China-scam dynamic in regime politics. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— (00:00) Opening (02:22) Election results and appointees (05:03) With Jason Tower, the Chinese New Year statements (18:26) The scam industry (39:49) Myanmar's warlord period (46:44) Close
Our guests— Jason Tower, senior expert, Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime. The poverty of 'conflict studies' in Myanmar Referenced this episode: | |||
| Union Advisory Council Announced | 07 févr. 2026 | 00:35:31 | |
With Amara Thiha, non-resident fellow with the China Program at the Stimson Center. This fortnight on episode 63 of What's Happening in Myanmar, the military's election conclude to China's approval, with coup leader Min Aung Hlaing enacting a new law to extend the military's oversight of the soon-to-be-formed, military-designed civilian administration. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— (00:00) Opening (02:05) Conflict and civilian attacks over election period (03:40) With Seng, the ongoing case at the ICJ (03:54) Military elections conclude (04:48) The new Union Advisory Council Law (05:50) With Amara Thiha, the new law (10:18) China's interests (24:46) China and revolution (27:18) Thailand elections and approach (34:36) Close
Our guests— Amara Thiha, non-resident fellow with the China Program at the Stimson Centre New on the Frontier website: Rohingya repatriation as a governance tool in Bangladesh Referenced this episode: Myanmar's military elections will not lead to peace or improvement in the political crisis | |||
| Third Phase of Voting & Arguments at the ICJ | 23 janv. 2026 | 00:51:37 | |
We identified and corrected a factual error in this episode. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— (00:00) Opening (01:17) Military cancels third phase voting in townships (04:46) With Seng, the ongoing case at the ICJ (15:12) Why The Gambia? (17:12) Prosecution arguments (22:21) Evaluating The Gambia's approach (27:09) The military delegation strategy (31:39) Upcoming nationalist protests (44:26) Success and failure at the ICJ (50:30) Close Our guests— Seng, a human rights advocate from Myanmar New on the Frontier website: Referenced this episode: Military Elections Will Not Resolve Myanmar's Deeper Problems | |||
| Military 'Election' Nears Conclusion | 16 janv. 2026 | 00:43:02 | |
With Ben Dunant, former editor-in-chief of Frontier Myanmar, independent journalist, and election observer at multiple missions for the Carter Centre. This week on episode 61 of What's Happening in Myanmar, resistance groups across the Dry Zone disturb polls and attack multiple positions during the second phase of voting in the military's election, politician Thet Thet Khaing is detained and accused of unauthorized meetings with foreign embassy staff, and we discuss the military's election on the ground in Yangon. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— (00:00) Opening (01:39) Thet Thet Khaing detained (02:42) Second phase over (03:05) Electoral violence over second phase (05:05) With Ben Dunant, reporting on the elections in Yangon (08:43) Locations and opportunities to observes (15:08) Security and accreditation to report (18:41) Voter attitudes (30:18) Election results (41:29) Close
Our guests— Ben Dunant, former editor-in-chief of Frontier Myanmar, and independent journalist New original content from Frontier this week: Is Min Aung Hlaing looking over both shoulders? Referenced this episode: VIDEO: Confronting the man who followed the ABC while reporting on Myanmar's elections | |||
| Election Convoy Attacked & Struggles in Mizoram | 10 janv. 2026 | 00:42:05 | |
With Hannah Russell, higher education program manager at the Institute of Chin Affairs, and Bik Te, scholarship coordinator at the ICA. This week on episode 60 of What's Happening in Myanmar, the Nay Pyi Taw PDF attacks a Union Election Commission convoy, pro-regime political parties complain about the military's problematic so-called election, and we discuss the challenging situation for the tens of thousands of post-coup Myanmar and Chin refugees sheltering in Mizoram State, India. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— (00:00) Opening (01:13) Attack on UEC convoy (02:23) Pro-regime parties unhappy with phase 1 of election (03:57) With Bik Te & Hannah Russell, the Chin refugee community in Mizoram (08:30) Links between zo and Chin people (13:04) Chin livelihoods in Mizoram (23:54) Challenges accessing education in Mizoram (36:54) How can people support the community (41:14) Close
Our guests— Bik Te, scholarship coordinator at the Institute of Chin Affairs Hannah Russell, higher education program manager at the Institute of Chin Affairs Referenced this episode: Fear and loathing greet Myanmar's unfree election | |||
| Resistance Groups On the Front Foot in the New Year | 03 janv. 2026 | 00:38:55 | |
With Frontier Myanmar editor-in-chief Thu Thu Aung and independent journalist Lorcan Lovett. This week on episode 59 of What's Happening in Myanmar, conflict rages as resistance forces launch new offensives, the air force bombs a resort town and kills four children, the military administration holds the first phase of its problematic elections, and we talk about the difficult reporting and information environment facing Myanmar and what media organisations can do to survive and thrive in 2026. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— (00:00) Opening (01:31) War rages over election New Year period (02:12) KIA progress in Bhamo (03:00) Budalin clashes (04:35) NUG PDFs attack DDI infrastructure (06:37) December 28 polls (10:31) With Thu Thu Aung and Lorcan Lovett, media in 2026 Myanmar (27:41) Technological change and AI (37:42) Close
Our guests— Thu Thu Aung, editor-in-chief of Frontier Myanmar Lorcan Lovett, independent journalist, his On Myanmar Substack And his recent piece for Nieman Reports: Myanmar's Independent Media Innovates to Survive New original content on the Frontier website: India group raises awareness about Myanmar's anti-junta resistance | |||
| The New Spring Revolution Alliance | 19 déc. 2025 | 00:33:09 | |
With Su Mon, senior analyst for the Asia Pacific at the Armed Conflict Location Event Data organisation. This week on episode 58 of What's Happening in Myanmar, the Spring Revolution Alliance is formed, the military detains well-known non-violent protester Htet Myat Aung, and we review another year of war in Myanmar—and what's around the corner in 2026. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— (00:00) Opening (01:04) The new Spring Revolution Alliance (03:34) Htet Myat Aung detained in Mandalay (06:28) With Su Mon, conflict in 2025 (13:57) The future of conflict in 2026 (19:29) PDFs lack of ammunition (28:23) The militarisation of society (31:30) Close Our guests— Su Mon, senior analyst for the Asia Pacific at the Armed Conflict Location Event Data organisation New original content on the Frontier website: | |||
| Military Elections Loom & Atrocities Continue | 12 déc. 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 déc. 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| TNLA Signs Ceasefire | 31 oct. 2025 | 00:38:09 | |
With Aung Khant, coordinator of the Myanmar Freedom of Religion or Belief Network. This week on episode 51 of What's Happening in Myanmar, ASEAN dithers once again, the military's UEC announces more election updates, the Ta'ang National Liberation Army signs a ceasefire ceding Mogok and Mongmit to the military, and we discuss religious freedom in Myanmar since the 2021 coup. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me
Timecodes— (00:00) Opening (01:45) ASEAN summit leads nowhere (02:24) Election updates (06:11) Ta'ang National Liberation Army ceasefire (08:28) With Aung Khant, religious freedom in Myanmar (18:20) FoRB Network Myanmar's report (28:17) Religion in Myanmar, and ethnicity (33:18) Muslim suffering after Sagaing earthquake
Our guests— Aung Khant, Coordinator of the Myanmar Freedom of Religion or Belief Network New original content on the Frontier website: Early to wed: Myanmar girls marry to avoid military service Searching for solutions for the Rohingya
Further referenced this episode: After 29 years, RFA is on pause Myanmar's Generals Step into Politics as Newly Minted Civilians | |||
| Scammers' Starlink Stopped & Summit Preview | 24 oct. 2025 | 00:41:55 | |
With Hunter Marston, adjunct fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. This week on episode 50 of What's Happening in Myanmar, the UEC announces election campaigning restrictions, SpaceX cuts off Starlink for scammers, and we discuss the upcoming ASEAN summit scheduled for this weekend, U.S. and Chinese policy on Myanmar, and more. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— 01m08s :: News round up, union members freed Our guests— Hunter Marston, adjunct fellow (non-resident), Southeast Asia Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and adjunct fellow with La Trobe Asia. New original content on the Frontier website: 'The ending is already known': USDP gets head start on election campaign Further referenced this episode: | |||
| TNLA Losses, AA Gains, & a Scam Inflection Point? | 19 oct. 2025 | 00:41:06 | |
With Jacob Sims, visiting fellow at Harvard University's Asia Centre. This week on episode 49 of What's Happening in Myanmar, election campaign updates and voter list concerns, the military retakes Hsipaw, and we discuss human trafficking and the fallout of the scam crackdown from earlier this year. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— 01m10s :: Election updates
Our guests— Jacob Sims, visiting fellow at Harvard University's Asia Centre and expert on organised crime in Southeast Asia Two paths to the bottom: When states become sponsors of human trafficking New original content on the Frontier website: 'I don't know what comes next': US visa ban quashes Myanmar students' dreams Further referenced this episode: Myanmar scam cities booming despite crackdown – using Musk's Starlink | |||
| Thadingyut Massacre | 10 oct. 2025 | 00:39:12 | |
With Amaël Vier, election consultant and analyst, and Tharindu Abeyrathna, senior program officer for campaign and advocacy at the Asian Network for Free Elections. This week on episode 48 of What's Happening in Myanmar, the military massacres civilians at a Buddhist holiday commemoration, the Union Election Commission posts problematic voter lists, and we discuss the new ANFREL assessment report on the military's planned elections. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Timecodes— 01m00s :: Announcement of new CEO Our guests— Amaël Vier, election consultant and analyst Tharindu Abeyrathna, senior program officer for campaign and advocacy at the Asian Network for Free Elections New original content on the Frontier website: Working for peanuts: The precarious lives of women in central Myanmar Further referenced this episode: ANFREL: Myanmar Junta's Planned Elections: Falling Short of Democratic Legitimacy | |||
| 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 sept. 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 sept. 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 sept. 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 sept. 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 août 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 | |||