Myanmar Domestic News Updates – May 23, 2025 Morning
๐๐ 1. Discovery of Indian-Made Armored Components in Downed Mi-17 Helicopter Reveals India’s Military Support to Terrorist Junta
May 22
Radio NUG
A Mi-17 helicopter belonging to the junta’s air force was shot down in Shwegu Township as a result of attacks by joint forces allied with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA). Reports indicate that the downed aircraft had been equipped with armored components branded KAVRO, manufactured by Indian company MKU.
MKU is a defense manufacturing company based in India. Under its KAVRO brand, it produces a range of ballistic protection equipment—from helmets and body armor for soldiers to ballistic protection systems for ground, naval, and aerial military vehicles. The MKU official website lists compatible ballistic protection solutions for helicopters including the UH-60 Black Hawk, CH-47 Chinook, Mi-17, and Mi-8.
These ballistic components are not designed to render the entire aircraft bulletproof. Rather, they are installed in specific interior areas—such as pilot seats, floors, sidewalls—to protect against small arms fire. The ballistic panels found on the downed Mi-17 helicopter were labeled as NIJ Level III (protection against rifle fire). Notably, they were manufactured in February 2025, suggesting a recent upgrade in the junta’s Mi-17 fleet ballistic protection capabilities. This detail was analyzed and reported by Tactical Raptors.
This incident further highlights the military-industrial links between the junta and India. Although India has publicly declared support for Myanmar’s democratic future, the provision of military-grade defense materials to the junta illustrates a strategic cooperation inconsistent with that stance.
India's indirect support—alongside other international backers—in the form of arms and defense supplies to the junta could deepen Myanmar’s already complex political and military crisis. While the full extent of India’s and its defense companies’ collaboration with the junta remains unclear, the growing evidence points to a significant link. This calls for the international community to continue closely monitoring arms transfers and military support amid Myanmar’s ongoing civil conflict.
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๐๐ 2. Vietnamese Billionaire’s HD Bank Found to Be Funding Mytel, Telecom Operator Controlled by Myanmar Junta
May 22
Radio NUG
Reports indicate that HD Bank, owned by Vietnamese billionaire businesswoman Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, has provided loans to Mytel, a telecommunications operator controlled by the Myanmar military junta.
This information was revealed in a statement by Justice For Myanmar on May 22, which included Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao in its list of ASEAN oligarchs implicated in supporting oppressive regimes.
Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Vietnam’s first and only female billionaire, is widely known for her controversial marketing strategies promoting her airline VietJet. She has now come under further scrutiny due to her bank’s financial support to Mytel, a company owned and operated by Myanmar’s junta, which has been engaged in brutal crackdowns and mass killings of civilians since its 2021 coup attempt.
Mytel is a major revenue generator for the junta, projected to bring in up to USD 700 million in the coming years. In addition to funding, Mytel reportedly facilitates surveillance, eavesdropping, and censorship technologies, directly enabling the junta’s oppressive control over communications.
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๐๐ 3. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s 80th Birthday to Be Celebrated in Berlin, Germany
May 22
Radio NUG
For Federal Myanmar Berlin Germany has announced that the 80th birthday of Myanmar’s democratic leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will be celebrated in Berlin, Germany.
The organizers stated:
“Although we cannot see ‘Mother Suu’ in person, we will honor her 80th birthday—‘Suu80’—with heartfelt love and deep respect from all who cherish her.”
During the celebration, attendees will be served meals prepared by Berlin-based Myanmar families as a symbolic birthday offering. The event will be held with free admission and no purchase requirements, and commemorative birthday gifts will be distributed via a lucky draw.
Proceeds from beverages sold at the event will be used to cover venue rental and other basic expenses, with any remaining funds to be contributed to the revolutionary cause.
The celebration is scheduled for the afternoon of June 21.
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๐๐ 4. Nway Oo Bank Launches New “Collateral Loan” Product
May 22
Radio NUG
On May 22, Nway Oo Bank officially introduced a new financial product named the Collateral Loan.
According to the announcement released on May 22, the Collateral Loan is designed as an emergency financial solution allowing borrowers to receive loans by pledging collateral items. This new loan product will initially be available using SpringDB Tokens as a pre-utilization mechanism.
To facilitate access to this loan product, 10% of the bank-issued tokens (SpringDB Tokens) will be pre-allocated as usable tokens to shareholders of the bank.
Eligible token holders seeking to obtain loans can use these pre-designated tokens as collateral to receive advance loans. At the time of disbursement, the loan amount will be issued in either USD or USDT.
To qualify for a loan under this product, the token holder must possess a minimum equivalent of $100 in SpringDB Tokens. The maximum loan amount available under this scheme is $100,000.
The interest rate for the Collateral Loan is 11% per annum, translating to approximately 0.92% per month.
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๐๐ 5. U Min Ko Naing’s Book Campaign “Kolar Shay Shay Kayan Lan Lan” to Launch Soon
May 22
Radio NUG
The campaign for U Min Ko Naing’s book titled “Kolar Shay Shay Kayan Lan Lan” is set to launch soon, according to an announcement made on May 22 by Roads of Yangon.
“We, the Roads of Yangon, will soon begin the campaign for U Min Ko Naing’s book ‘Kolar Shay Shay Kayan Lan Lan.’ This publication is a limited edition with only 1,300 copies in circulation. No reprints will be made during the revolution period,” the announcement stated.
100% of the profits from the book sales will go toward earthquake relief and reconstruction efforts in resistance-held regions, as well as to support revolutionary organizations and CDM (Civil Disobedience Movement) groups.
The books will be available for purchase exclusively through the CDM Medicine Network page. The campaign will run for one full month, from May 27 to June 27.
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๐๐ 6. Mandalay Region People’s Administrative Bodies and AFCC-Mdy Conduct Awareness Campaigns in Resistance-Controlled Villages
May 22
Radio NUG
On May 21, AFCC-Mdy issued a public statement announcing that Mandalay Region People’s Administrative Bodies and AFCC-Mdy jointly carried out awareness and educational campaigns in rural areas under revolutionary control in the Mandalay Region.
The collaboration involved outreach to villages in resistance-held zones, where sessions were conducted on public mobilization strategies, creating inclusive participation environments, and raising awareness on airstrike risks and preventive measures. Educational pamphlets were also distributed to support these efforts.
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๐๐ 7. PSLF/TNLA Department of Motor Vehicle Registration to Issue Vehicle Licenses
May 22
Radio NUG
The Department of Motor Vehicle Registration and Oversight under the Palaung State Liberation Front/Ta’ang National Liberation Army (PSLF/TNLA) has announced that it will begin issuing vehicle registration licenses starting May 25.
Initially, the registration will cover private vehicles, commercial vehicles, passenger vehicles, and cargo trucks. Detailed procedures and the necessary documentation requirements have been publicly released.
Vehicle registration fees will range from 200,000 MMK to 500,000 MMK, depending on the type of vehicle. The implementation period is set for six months (from May 25 to December 31). Vehicles that remain unregistered beyond this period will be subject to legal enforcement actions.
The purpose of issuing vehicle registration licenses is to reduce issues related to vehicle ownership, buying and selling, accidents, and theft. To ensure the systematic use of motor vehicles, both vehicle licenses and driver licenses will be issued in accordance with regulations.
The licensing process will first be rolled out in Namkham and Namhsan Townships, which fall under PSLF/TNLA-administered areas, and will subsequently expand to other townships.
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๐๐ 8. Temporary Road Closure on Matupi–Mintat Road Section for Repairs
May 22
Radio NUG
Due to ongoing repairs, mile marker 91 of the Matupi–Mintat highway in southern Chin State will be temporarily closed to all vehicles, according to an announcement by CDF Matupi.
This road section is a major route frequently used by the public. However, ground subsidence beneath the roadbed has necessitated repair efforts, which began earlier this month under the supervision of relevant authorities.
As the weight and vibrations from large vehicles are disrupting the repair process, a full traffic closure has been announced from May 25 to June 5. During this period, no vehicles will be allowed to pass.
These reports were submitted by Tharki, Khur Shel, and Min Sitt Thway, correspondents of Radio NUG.
#SpringRevolution
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