I do not feel regret of joining Civil Disobedient Movement since it can make me feel that I am with my friends who are against military coup and fighting for democracy from jungles, rural areas and unban and I am also contributing in this revolution by doing as much as I can.
In Southeast Asia as in other regions, the pandemic has exposed deep social and health inequities across countries and people and shown the multi-dimensional and interlinked aspects of marginalization.
The story follows two civil servants from Myanmar who joined the Civil Disobedience Moment after the military junta forcefully took over in a violent coup. It highlights their resilience and unbreakable desire to end dictatorships in Myanmar as they take on various roles to continue supporting the Spring Revolution.
SEA Junction, under the operation of the Foundation for Southeast Asia Studies, is a knowledge center and public venue on Southeast Asia, which is located at the Bangkok Arts and Culture Centre (BACC).
This month, we continue to advocate for keeping Myanmar in the public attention and honoring the spirit of Myanmar people’s resilience through our ongoing art exhibition and our online #WhatsHappeninginMyanmar Monthly Updates.
While it is true that I am struggling to make ends meet, I am sure that I will never turn back on their decision to participate in CDM, and I know that they will not give up on their dream to leave behind a better place for the next generation.
After the coup, switching off LNG stations and canceling solar projects approved by NLD government make occasional blackouts and prolonged power cuts. Skyrocketing fuel prices and prolonged power shortages hit all classes of people in Myanmar hard.
In the midst of many other global concerns, we continue to advocate to keep Myanmar on the public agenda through our events. In the beginning of this month, our regular #WhatsHappeninginMyanmar Monthly Updates provide important insights for informed action in support of the democratic movement in the country and beyond.
At the beginning of February 2021, I found myself overwhelmed, shocked and left in a state of fear and despair just like everyone else did. I kept asking myself what I could do for my country. On 8th February, I decided to participate in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) along with other civilians and civil servants who were working together to disrupt and dismantle all governing mechanisms. My friends told me to think about it, to not make a hasty decision since I am still too young to let go of the position and the job that I have, and a lot of opportunities for my future in the railway sector. However, I decided to continue participating in CDM until the revolutions win. I believe that I will be able to put on my favorite uniform again in the near future.
The banking sector collapsed following the coup in February 2021 in Myanmar with experiencing cash shortage, the Central bank’s difficulties in disbursing enough funds to private banks to cover the account holders’ daily needs, and running out of cash in ATMs as people wanted to withdraw their savings, and new requirements about withdrawals. Two stories by different authors about their experiences with the disrupted banking system were received under the “Living the Coup” Special initiative project and are presented below together since they complement each other.
