The junta plans to extend voting into areas it has retaken from resistance forces, but its control remains limited and many other conflict-hit areas are still excluded.
Mass boycott of regime’s new Certificate of Identity process gains momentum as workers, Thai labor groups and politicians demand ‘extraction centers’ be scrapped.
Also this week, reports said China has lifted trade restrictions with territories controlled by friendly armed groups, consolidating the status quo there.
Beijing appears increasingly exasperated with the Min Aung Hlaing regime’s inability to deliver on its promises despite constantly holding out its hands for more money and support.
The currency’s sharp decline against the baht and dollar has disrupted border trade, forcing some traders to suspend transactions and raising fears of further inflation.
Bangkok is pushing to restore Myanmar’s participation in high-level ASEAN meetings despite renewed border tensions and concerns over the junta’s legitimacy.