Myanmar Domestic News Updates – Aug 20, 2025 Evening
๐๐ 1. Union Minister U Thein Oo Attends Opening Ceremony of Six-Month Training Course for Legal Officers
August 20
The Ministry of Justice, together with the Department of Prosecution, held the opening ceremony of a six-month training course for legal officers. Union Minister for Justice U Thein Oo attended the event.
The training course, organized by the Ministry of Justice and the Department of Prosecution of the National Unity Government, officially commenced on August 17, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.
In his opening remarks, Union Minister U Thein Oo emphasized that legal officers are essential figures in safeguarding justice for the people. He elaborated on the significance of their role, the importance of integrity, and adherence to ethical standards. He also extended gratitude to those who contributed to the success of the training program, to the teachers who diligently undertook the responsibility of instruction, and to all the Township Legal Officers who are attending the course despite various challenges.
The opening ceremony was attended by Union Minister for Justice U Thein Oo, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry U A Man, Deputy Permanent Secretary U Joseph, Director-General of the Department of Prosecution Daw Manee, lecturers and instructors, other responsible officials, and Township Legal Officers from 34 townships.
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๐๐ 2. Myanmar Ambassador: Daily Lives of Citizens Are at Risk Every Second Under the Military’s Brutality
August 20
Myanmar’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador U Kyaw Moe Tun, told the international community that the daily lives of the people of Myanmar, who are deprived of security due to the junta’s brutality, are under constant and critical threat—every second, every minute, and every hour.
He made this statement during the UN Security Council’s “Arria-formula” meeting, which focused on conflict-related sexual violence, life-saving assistance, and innovative strategies to protect survivors of sexual violence in conflict zones.
Ambassador U Kyaw Moe Tun explained that since the military coup in 2021, safe spaces for women and girls in Myanmar have become increasingly restricted. He highlighted that the military continues to use sexual violence as a weapon against the civilian population.
He informed the international community that in some instances, women were subjected to rape in front of their husbands, fathers, mothers, siblings, children, and relatives.
The ambassador stressed that the junta’s widespread and systematic commission of such inhumane crimes defies description. He urged the international community to put themselves in the place of the victims and their families to truly understand the suffering inflicted upon them.
He also underlined that this UN meeting represents a critical opportunity to find effective ways to provide support and protection to the most vulnerable civilians and communities in Myanmar.
Ambassador U Kyaw Moe Tun urged the UN Security Council and the entire UN system, along with its member states, to take immediate and effective action to end the junta’s atrocities once and for all.
He called on member states to employ every possible means to halt the junta’s access to weapons, ammunition, aviation fuel, dual-use materials, and financial resources.
Furthermore, he warned that the junta’s sham elections, if allowed, would only provide a license for further crimes—including sexual violence and other inhumane acts—committed during the ongoing conflict. He urged all member states to respect the aspirations of the Myanmar people and strongly reject the junta’s fake election.
Finally, Ambassador U Kyaw Moe Tun appealed to the international community to fully support the National Unity Government, which represents the people of Myanmar in their struggle to dismantle the military dictatorship once and for all and to build a Federal Democratic Union.
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๐๐ 3. U Nay Phone Latt: Will Stand Together with Ethnic Revolutionary Organizations That Reject the Military’s Sham Elections
August 20
U Nay Phone Latt, spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister of the National Unity Government (NUG), stated that they will stand alongside the ethnic revolutionary organizations that have declared they will not allow the military’s illegal and sham elections to be held in territories under the control of Spring Revolution forces.
He made this remark today, August 20, during the NUG’s regular press briefing to the public and the international community.
U Nay Phone Latt highlighted that ethnic revolutionary groups—including the Karen National Union (KNU), the Arakan Army (AA), the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), and the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP)—as well as Spring Revolution forces, have officially announced they will not permit the junta’s sham elections to take place in areas under their control.
He reminded that the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), formed based on the results of the 2020 elections, had already abolished the 2008 Constitution on March 30, 2021.
Therefore, any actions by the military, including its sham elections conducted under that constitution, are unlawful and illegitimate. U Nay Phone Latt warned individuals and organizations not to participate in, or lend support to, such activities.
He further emphasized that the NUG, together with allied ethnic revolutionary forces, is committed to guaranteeing independence, justice, and equality—core aspirations of the people—and is working to establish a peaceful Federal Democratic Union by following the Federal Democracy Charter as a political roadmap.
U Nay Phone Latt cautioned that the junta’s attempt to hold sham elections is nothing more than an effort to entrench its power and secure impunity for its past and ongoing war crimes against the people. He urged all revolutionary forces to stand united with the people in resisting and overcoming this trap.
He also pointed out that the junta has declared martial law in 63 townships across 9 states and regions, and suspended Articles 5, 7, and 8 of the Law Safeguarding the Rights of Citizens for Personal Freedom and Security in the remaining areas. These restrictions even include Hopang Township in the Wa Self-Administered Zone and townships under the control of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA).
He noted that such actions directly challenge not only the revolutionary forces—including those that signed so-called ceasefire agreements—but also the entire population of Myanmar. As a result, the junta has escalated its airstrikes, war crimes, targeted attacks on civilians, forced conscription, unlawful arrests, torture, extrajudicial killings, and human rights violations.
U Nay Phone Latt declared that the NUG will closely monitor and document the sham elections and the military’s crimes, and will continue working through every available channel to secure justice for the victims.
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๐๐ 4. Irrawaddy School of Law Signs MOU with Interim University Council of Mandalay University
August 20
The Irrawaddy School of Law and the Interim University Council of Mandalay University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for cooperation.
The agreement, signed on August 15, aims to expand collaboration in the field of legal education.
During the meeting, the two institutions discussed programs for cooperation in legal education. The partnership is intended to help nurture future generations of young people who can apply legal knowledge effectively and with justice at its core.
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๐๐ 5. Bangkok Bank Account Holders Required to Provide Valid Documentation to Reopen or Maintain Accounts
August 20
It has been reported that all account holders whose accounts have been suspended by Bangkok Bank will be required to provide valid documentation to verify their legal status in order to continue using their accounts.
Notifications have been sent to those who originally opened their accounts with a tourist visa, instructing them to appear in person at the branch where they opened their accounts within 30 days.
Many of the recently suspended accounts reportedly belong to Myanmar nationals, who have stated on social media that they are currently unable to make transfers or withdrawals.
According to available information, those who wish to continue using their accounts must provide documents proving long-term residency status, such as: a long-term visa, business registration in Thailand, condominium or housing ownership contracts, hospital admission records, or school enrollment documents for children. With such documentation, accounts can be reinstated.
For those residing in Thailand only on a tourist visa, it is understood that they will still be able to withdraw their deposited funds at the relevant branch, though their accounts cannot remain active.
This news report was sent by Radio NUG correspondents Thaki and Khant.
#SpringRevolution
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