Myanmar crisis on agenda at 48th ASEAN Summit
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 2026 Special Envoy to Burma Ma Theresa Lazaro stated on Wednesday that a “comprehensive update” on the crisis in Burma would be discussed at the 48th ASEAN summit in Cebu, Philippines, May 7-8. Hau Khan Sum, the regime’s permanent secretary from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attended as regime officials remain barred from high-level ASEAN summits.
Manila, serving as the 2026 ASEAN Chair, urged Naypyidaw to show “greater transparency” by allowing the Philippines’ Special Envoy Ma Theresa Lazaro to meet with jailed State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi. ASEAN leaders are expected to discuss regional energy security and diversification strategies to mitigate supply disruptions caused by escalating tensions in the Middle East during the summit in Cebu.
Leila de Lima, a member of the Philippines House of Representatives, urged Manila to take a stronger stance against Naypyidaw by rejecting Min Aung Hlaing’s new pro-military administration, releasing political prisoners, and pursuing accountability through international justice mechanisms for the military’s crimes. Progressive Voice and the Special Advisory Council for Myanmar (SAC-M) supported de Lima’s call.
Civil society demands ‘total cessation’ of Myitsone dam project
A coalition of 49 civil society organizations in Kachin State issued a joint statement on Tuesday demanding the immediate and “total cessation” of the controversial Myitsone hydropower dam project, condemning the regime for organizing sham public consultations and threatening local residents.
The massive infrastructure project, which initially displaced roughly 12,000 residents, was quietly resumed by the regime on Dec. 16. It had previously been suspended in 2011 by then-President Thein Sein following intense public backlash over severe earthquake risks, as the site sits just 16 miles (25.4 km) northeast of the active Sagaing Fault.
“It offers no benefits to the public and will only result in the severe destruction and loss of people’s lives, homes and properties. It is in direct opposition to the will of local Kachin people and the citizens of Myanmar,” the groups wrote in their May 4 joint statement. They are also demanding an immediate halt to all lobbying efforts and the intimidation of civilians. Read more
Boats on the Salween River in Bu Tho Township, Karen State, on International Day of Action for Rivers and Against Dams on March 14. (Credit: DVB)
Salween River snails contain arsenic levels beyond safety limits
Thai news outlet Transborder News reported on Monday that snails collected from the Salween River in Mae Hong Son Province, along the Thailand-Myanmar border, contain arsenic levels 10–20 times above safety limits, raising urgent food safety concerns for river‑dependent communities on both sides of the border.
“Arsenic and mercury are among the most hazardous pollutants due to their high toxicity and long-term health impacts,” said Somporn Pengkham, director of the Community Health Impact Assessment Program. These findings analysed at Chiang Mai University (CMU) showed arsenic and lead contamination far exceeding standard thresholds. No measurable traces of mercury were detected in the samples.
Dr. Kwanpracha Chiangchaiskulthai, a senior medical expert at Thailand’s Public Health Ministry, said the results confirm earlier detections of heavy metals in Salween River water. He urged stronger monitoring, food inspections, and an official public warning to stop eating river snails–a seasonal staple and source of income–while further testing is carried out.
News by Region
KACHIN—The road connecting Mandalay to Kachin State, via Sagaing Region, was reopened by the military on Wednesday, regime media reported. The military counteroffensive to retake the entire length of the 341-mile (548 km) long road lasted one year and three months, the report added.
A military analyst told DVB on the condition of anonymity that regime forces have regained control of all 12 towns along the road and the logistics route from central Burma to Kachin, where the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has been fighting the military over control of Bhamo Township.
SAGAING—Three civilians were killed and three others were injured in Wetlet Township during six airstrikes carried out by three Burma Air Force jets on Tuesday. Wetlet, located 50 miles (80 km) east of the region’s capital Monywa, is partially controlled by the National Unity Government (NUG).
Residents told DVB that the wounded are receiving treatment at an NUG-run hospital. An analyst told DVB that Ye Win Oo has adopted new tactics after he replaced Min Aung Hlaing as Burma’s commander-in-chief on March 30. Multiple jets now attack one target simultaneously, he added.
YANGON—Sources told DVB that Aung Naing Thu, the regime chief minister of Yangon Region, was instructed to compile a list of street vendors in every township during a meeting on Tuesday. This followed an order from Min Aung Hlaing to shut down all street vendor shops in the region.
A source close to the regime administration told DVB that a list will be completed in 100 days. A street vendor told DVB on the condition of anonymity that shops in North Dagon, South Dagon, Tamwe, Sanchaung, Thaketa and South Okkalapa townships were ordered to shut down by Dec. 31.
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