From 6 May – 18 May 2025, Platform 36, Bangkok Tribune, and SEA Junction organized a photo exhibition and fundraising event to help aid the devastating earthquake-impacted community in Myanmar.  Myanmar has recently experienced it most devastating earthquake in a century, a magnitude 7.7 event that struck the central region of Myanmar on March 28, 2025. This earthquake is among the most powerful globally in recent years and resulted in significant casualties. As of April 5, the disaster in Myanmar has led to 5,330 fatalities, over 7,140 injuries, and more than 769 missing persons. In response, the opposition National Unity Government (NUG) announced that anti-junta militias under its command would pause all offensive military actions for two weeks. However, the regime continues to launch airstrikes, including in affected areas. Urgent action is needed to provide relief to affected communities and to support long-term recovery efforts.

A group of concerned photographers from Myanmar, organized under the name Platform 36, proposed and organized an exhibition in collaboration with SEA Junction and Bangkok Tribune News and in partnership with CMB on 6-18 May 2025 on the Corner Space, 1st floor, BACC. Additionally, the organizers and curators held a special meet-up on 6 May 2025 from 6-7.30 pm. The exhibition showcased photos of the disaster’s impact, presenting powerful visual documentation of earthquake-affected areas near Mandalay and Sagaing, where significant damage has been reported. The display will also highlight surrounding regions such as Nay Pyi Taw, Bago, Magway, and parts of Shan State. Whenever available, “before” images of these post-earthquake scenes will be included alongside photo captions. Besides aiming to increase public awareness, the objective is to raise funds for earthquake-affected communities.

Platform 36, Bangkok Tribune, and SEA Junction worked pro-bono and SEA Junction is shouldering the costs of the exhibition fully as part of the CMB-supported program “Staying Resilient Amidst Multiple Crises in Southeast Asia” in the sincere hope that many will donate. All funds have been entirely used toward medical supplies and healthcare services via trusted local and civil society organizations working on the ground. Postcard, and booklet were produced and used to also raised funds for the same cause.

Photographers 

  • Ko C
  • Zide
  • ⁠Linkar
  • ⁠GoDark

Curators

Ye Aung Thu is an award-winning Burmese photojournalist and co-founder of the collective. He was recently recognized by the World Press Photo Contest for his impactful visual work on life in Myanmar and across Asia and is the initiator of this exhibition.

Sayan Chuenudomsavad has been working as a photojournalist for several years, reporting and taking photos on any rising challenges of development, of the environment, and of any social changes which take place in the Mekong region. Diverse and vibrant, his images capture everyday people living alongside the challenges of development, climate change and social changes in the region. See https://sayanchuenudomsavad.wordpress.com/.

Organizers

Platform 36 is an independent collective and platform dedicated to supporting the next generation of photographers and photojournalists, especially those from overlooked or marginalized communities. Named after the traditional 36 exposures on a roll of film, Platform 36 symbolizes creative potential, storytelling power, and the belief that every frame matter. We exist to nurture visual storytellers by offering space, mentorship, and visibility: helping them develop their voices and share their truths with the world. For more information, visits: www.platform36.org or contact platform36stories@gmail.com.

SEA Junction, established under the Thai non-profit organization Foundation for Southeast Asia Studies (ForSEA), aims to foster understanding and appreciation of Southeast Asia in all its socio-cultural dimensions, from arts and lifestyles to development and human rights. Conveniently located at Room 407-8 of the Bangkok Arts and Culture Center or BACC (across MBK, BTS National Stadium), SEA Junction facilitates public access to knowledge resources and exchanges among students, practitioners and Southeast Asia lovers. More information at www.seajunction.org 

Bangkok Tribune News

Bangkok Tribune News is an Indie and in-depth online news agency to explain and inspire people with scoop-based news reports on environment and development in Thailand and the Mekong region. For more information, see https://bkktribune.com/

CMB Foundation

The John D. Rockefeller-endowed CMB, an independent American foundation started in 1914, aims to advance health in Asia through strengthening medical, nursing and public health research and education. See further: www.chinamedicalboard.org