Unprecedented Chinese pressure on UWSA
China has imposed unprecedented sanctions on the United Wa State Army (UWSA) in various means, including freezing assets which creates a difficult situation. UWSA Head of External Relation U Kyauk Kaw Ann stated on August 20 during a meeting with MNDAA, TNLA, and SSPP that the Wa group informed at that meeting that they would no longer provide any support to them.
He stated that China has established policies to prevent military conflicts in northern Myanmar especially in northern Shan State, prohibit organizations from engaging with the NUG, and prevent external forces from being drawn into northern Myanmar, and that the Three Brotherhood Alliance’s 1027 operation undermined these policies.
Therefore, China stated it will not tolerate any military conflicts in northern Myanmar, and since these problems arise from the Wa group’s support to various organizations through weapons, funds, and safe transportation route , the Wa group must take responsibility, according to U Kyauk Ko An.[1]
Thailand to Allow Refugees in Border Camps to Work
Due to labour shortages caused by tens of thousands of Cambodian workers returning home because of Thai-Cambodian border conflicts, Thailand announced on August 13 that it will recruit workers from nine Myanmar border refugee camps to solve this problem, and also has plans to register those working illegally in Thailand, according to the Director-General of Thailand’s Department of Employment.[2]
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) welcomed Thailand’s government policy allowing refugees to work legally, with UNHCR’s Thailand Representative Ms. Tammi Sharpe, stating that this demonstrates Thailand’s respect for humanitarian principles and represents a strategic investment for the country’s future.[3]
On August 19, Thai authorities and the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) met to discuss joint prevention of drug trafficking across the Thai-Myanmar border. DKBA Commander Saw Three Htoo stated that the meeting discussed drug prevention operations, blocking alcohol acid which is the raw materials used in drug production, and jointly preventing human trafficking cases.[4]
Rohingya Issue, Food crisis, and UN Statement
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that a joint delegation including ASEAN regional partner countries Indonesia, Philippines, and Thailand, along with Malaysia as ASEAN Chair, will be sent to Myanmar to promote Myanmar’s peace process and the access of humanitarian assistance for the Rohingya refugees struggling in Bangladesh.
Anwar also expressed concern about the burden on Bangladesh, which has been hosting many Rohingya refugees who fled as targeted violence against the Rohingya intensified with the escalation of conflict in Rakhine State.
At the discussion on Rohingya conference held in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh after eight years on from fleeing from Rakhine State, Bangladesh’s interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus called for the international community to cooperate on the repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar.[5]
Additionally, Yunus demanded that the international community stand firmly with the Rohingya who have faced ethnic cleansing in Myanmar, and called for international governments to reconsider their relations with Myanmar’s military junta.
The World Food Programme (WFP) announced on August 12 that hunger and malnutrition are increasing in Rakhine State due to conflict, blockades, and insufficient funding, with urgent humanitarian assistance needed.
WFP’s Myanmar Country Representative Mr. Dunford warned that $30 million USD is needed to assist 270,000 people in Rakhine State over the next six months, and if this crisis is not immediately resolved, it could become a major catastrophe.[7]
UN Resident Coordinator for Myanmar Mr. Michael Dunford issued a statement calling for protection of humanitarian workers operating in Myanmar and the people they are helping.
The UN statement noted that people in areas currently experiencing violence, fighting, and natural disasters in Myanmar need security and protection, facing many challenges, with increasing attacks on armed groups and civilians.[8]
Telenor Facing Legal Action
Former Norway-Myanmar Committee Director Audun Aagre accused Telenor-Myanmar of handing over telecommunications usage data and phone location information to the military regime, which led to the arrest of 88 Generation student leader Ko Jimmy.
Mr. Audun wrote that although Telenor had the opportunity not to commit such human rights violations, they did violate them and should be held accountable for this action. It is known that Telenor told Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation NRK that they do not regret transferring the data and were only following laws and procedures.
Justice For Myanmar (JFM) and ICJ Norway announced that they have filed a complaint with Norwegian police since 19 December 2024, seeking action against Telenor Myanmar, and that Telenor will be held accountable in court if they violated Norway’s sanctions.[9]
[1] UWSA group says China has imposed unprecedented sanctions including asset freezes, Mizzima, August 22, 2025
[2] Director-General of Thailand’s Department of Employment says workers will be recruited from Myanmar border refugee camps, DVB, August 14, 2025
[3] UNHCR welcomes Thai government’s decision to allow Myanmar refugees to work, People’s Spring, August 27, 2025
[4]Thailand and DKBA discuss drug prevention and control at the border, KIC, August 20, 2025
[5] ASEAN delegation will visit Myanmar, DVB, August 13, 2025
[6]Bangladesh interim Prime Minister calls on international community to help Rohingya return home, People’s Spring, August 26, 2025
[7]WFP warns that Rakhine State’s food needs could turn into a catastrophe, DVB, August 13, 2025
[8]UN calls for protection of aid workers and the people they are helping, KIC, August 23, 2025
[9] JFM and ICJ Norway file case against Telenor Myanmar for supporting military council with intelligence assistance, Western News, August 28, 2025