Junta In Myanmar Has Now Been "Legitimized"

Intro

Yes, this is a travel blog, and no, this doesn't have much to do with travel, but if you have read my purpose, this is something that I strive towards writing about: the truth, and opening eyes to ongoing issues in the world that aren't talked about much... Yes, I try to walk the fine line with politics in many places I write about, where I go, such as Yemen, Somalia, Russia, Ukraine, DRC, Libya, Syria, Afghanistan, etc, but this post is an anomaly.

Just yesterday, I received from someone in Rakhine State that says things are rapidly changing within Myanmar, and this is something that I feel compelled to share...

A Quick Backstory

While I will have two series coming up about Myanmar, to the likes of Shan State, Rakhine, and Wa, where I will be diving a lot deeper into the situation on the ground, let's go over a quick backstory of what has been going on since 2021, when the Junta took back control:

• In 2021, the Tatmadaw 'regained' power after overthrowing the elected government. They detained many NLD leaders over unfounded election fraud claims

• Following that, there were mass protests that erupted across the country, with many people refusing to work under military rule

• As the Junta responded with violent crackdowns, including air support (which they control), opposition groups began to form, such as the PDF. These have fallen in line with certain ethnic factions, but not seeing eye to eye.

• From 2022-2025, we have seen a full-on civil war. And while most people won't see it in the main cities, in the outer areas, there is extensive fighting.

• Over the conflict, millions have been displaced, thousands have been killed, kids have been snatched off the street to serve, and it's a horrific tragedy.

Myanmar is one of the most beautiful countries on the planet, which has been plagued with violence...

So... What's The Latest?

There's a reason for this post, and a good one at that, as things have been rapidly changing in the last few weeks in Myanmar. Talking to my contact, here is what has taken place:

• China has long been switching sides about who to support, often backing both. However, with the most recent meetings between the two leaders, the word is that China is now "all in" on the Junta and thus, the Junta is now considered "legitimized".

• Now this isn't new news, but the Junta claimed they will be having 'elections' soon. However, a memo has been sent out (I don't have the full memo) stating that air support will be utilized to win back the support of states that are currently under opposition control, in turn to force the election.

• Recently, and while this hasn't been supported by other sources, the Junta has regained control of many regions in Shan State, as well as some of the other hotspot states in the conflict. This comes since China gave up funding the opposition.

So, at the moment, things aren't looking great for the people of Myanmar. While I understand that there is a small minority of people supporting the Junta, the vast majority are against them and want a democratic government. However, with China now fully backing the Junta and recognizing them as 'legitimate', it will only get harder from here for the opposition.

Be Careful About Traveling To Myanmar Now

Look, I am all for traveling to conflict zones. Well, not all for it, but I think that more people should be visiting with respect, and to see that the media is not always correct. Beauty often hides behind the madness, and that is something I have come to terms with.

It's truly one of the most beautiful places in the world...

Anyway, my point is, you must be extremely careful now when visiting Myanmar. The touristy spots such as Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, and Inle are fine, but the other parts I wouldn't even recommend... Rakhine or Chin? Definitely don't, because the situation is getting even more volatile.

Final Thoughts

A contact recently reached out and informed me that the Junta in Myanmar has now been 'legitimized'. It's tough with everything going on in the country, and a lot of this conflict is unforgivable. With the Junta controlling the air, the opposition forces have had a tough time, and going forward, it will only get worse before better. Please, be careful when traveling to Myanmar now. Bagan or Yangon? 100% recommend, but avoid the more "off the beaten path" places.

For now...

If you are interested, I wrote a few extracts around Myanmar. However, the whole series will be coming shortly after the Russia and Ukraine series.