Myanmar convened its first post-coup parliament plenary session in the capital Naypyitaw on March 16. With the pro-junta Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) holding a majority in the parliament, the key agenda was the election of retired general Khin Yi as Speaker and Maung Maung Ohn as the Deputy Speaker of the Lower House (Pyithu Hluttaw).
Category: Myanmar
ASEAN raises alarm over energy concern due to Middle East conflict
ASEAN’s foreign ministers have urged diplomatic and peaceful solutions to the escalating crisis in Middle East, warning that the conflict could drive up energy prices, worsen inflation and threaten food security across the region.
Myanmar’s fuel supply from Iran faces disruption as war ravages Middle East
In violation of international sanctions against Tehran, the Myanmar junta imported gasoline from Iran as many as three times from December 2025 to the initial stage of the war between Iran and the US-Israel on February 28.
Southeast Asia divided in reaction to the Middle East crisis
The US-Israel strikes on Iran, which killed the latter’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his influential aides on February 28, prompted different reactions across Southeast Asia. While geographically distant, Southeast Asian governments stated concerns, expressed with cautious language, economic anxiety, and, in some countries, blunt condemnation.
Southeast Asian states respond to Middle East crisis-driven fuel pressures
Following rising tension between US-Israel and Iran that started on February 28, fuel prices and demand in Southeast Asia have surged. One major factor was the blockade of Hormuz Strait which disrupted the global energy supply-chain through which 13 million barrels of oil per day are transported. There are rising concerns over liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and gasoline rarity.
To anticipate further consequences, some Southeast Asian governments have introduced different measures. Myanmar restricts the use of personal cars as gasoline and diesel are two sources of energy in the country.
Myanmar junta pardons over ten thousand political prisoners
Demonstrators in Yangon hold portraits of Aung San Suu Kyi while protesting against Myanmar’s military coup, demanding democracy and the release of detained civilian leaders. […]
Myanmar expels Timor Leste’s representative over war crimes case
On February 15, Myanmar’s junta government announced the expulsion of Timor Leste’s top representative in the country, after Dili opened a legal case against Naypyitaw on suspicions of war crimes based on universal jurisdiction.
Timor-Leste launches rare legal case against Myanmar junta under universal jurisdiction
Timor Leste initiated legal proceedings against Myanmar’s junta, including General Min Aung Hlaing, over alleged crimes against humanity.
Myanmar banks cap withdrawals amid currency and gold speculation
On February 12, private banks in Myanmar have imposed daily withdrawal limits following a Central Bank directive aimed at curbing speculation in US dollars and gold.
Nearly 180 Myanmar nationals detained in Cambodian scam compound raid
Around 180 Myanmar nationals were among more than 2,000 foreign citizens detained by Cambodian authorities during a raid on an online scam compound in Bavet, a border city in Svay Rieng province on January 31.