Key facts
- Millions have fled Myanmar to oppose military rule, seeking refuge in Mae Sot, Thailand.
- The Myanmar junta, led by General Min Aung Hlaing, has regained territory and international acceptance with support from China.
- Many refugees in Mae Sot are undocumented and live in fear of arrest and deportation.
- Safe houses offer temporary shelter, but residents face harrowing personal stories and uncertainty.
- Some former fighters have shifted to non-violent methods or are focused on supporting their families, while others remain committed to armed struggle.
Millions of Myanmar citizens who fled their homes to oppose military rule are facing a bleak future as the junta strengthens its grip on power. Many have found refuge in Mae Sot, Thailand, a border town that has become a sanctuary for those escaping the ongoing civil war and political repression.
The refugees, many of whom are undocumented, live in constant fear of arrest and deportation by Thai authorities, as well as reprisals against family members back in Myanmar. Safe houses run by charities offer temporary shelter, but the residents are often exhausted, traumatized, and vulnerable, carrying harrowing personal stories of violence and loss.
One 22-year-old former urban guerrilla fighter, who was imprisoned for his role in protests and bombings, has chosen a non-violent path after witnessing the brutality of the regime and the disunity among opposition groups. He now focuses on teaching children and supporting fellow prisoners, hoping to inspire a continued belief in the revolution.
Myanmar's military ruler, General Min Aung Hlaing, has seen his international image bolstered by diplomatic and military support from China. This backing has been crucial in helping the junta recover from the consequences of the 2021 coup, allowing it to recapture territory lost to insurgent groups. A recent staged election has further enabled Min Aung Hlaing to present himself as a legitimate leader.
For many refugees, like Yin Yin Aung, who made an arduous journey from the Sagaing region, the situation is dire. Her village was occupied and looted by soldiers, forcing her family to flee and live in the forest for months, leading to illness and death. Now in Mae Sot, she is trying to save money for her son's surgery.
Despite the junta's successes and the disillusionment of some, others remain committed to the fight. Former members of people's defense forces, officials from Aung San Suu Kyi's party, and young men avoiding conscription continue to believe in the revolution's eventual success, even as they grapple with exhaustion and the need to support their families.