Spring Revolution – Mizzima Daily Notes

28 September 2026

Revolutionary Politics and Military Affairs

NLD marks 38th anniversary of its founding

On 27 September, the 38th anniversary of the founding of the National League for Democracy (NLD), which emerged from the 1988 popular uprising, the party’s Central Executive Committee issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to democracy, human rights and the establishment of a federal democratic union.

According to the NLD statement, its 38-year political journey has been closely connected with the struggle for democracy and human rights, and it will continue working toward the establishment of a federal democratic union.

Reports of young people being detained for military service

Residents and other sources continue to report arrests and recruitment of young people in connection with implementation of the military service law.

The Human Rights Foundation of Monland reported that young people were detained and recruited for military service in several townships in Mon State during September. Reports have also emerged of young people being detained at night in Yangon.

The issue remains politically contested. Resistance groups characterize implementation of the military service system as forced recruitment, while the authorities maintain that it is being carried out under the law. The National Unity Government (NUG) Ministry of Defence also criticized implementation of the military service law as forced recruitment in a statement on 18 September.

MSFC reviews military code of conduct

The Mon State Federal Council (MSFC) held a meeting on 23 September to review military codes of conduct and laws applicable to personnel serving under its defence and home affairs departments.

Discussions focused on ensuring respect for human rights and the law, compliance with the Code of Conduct, and developing military regulations consistent with international standards. The MSFC has previously discussed strengthening compliance with military ethics and improving the organizational and military capacity of its forces.

Rehabilitation programme for injured resistance fighters

The NUG Ministry of Defence announced that it established a rehabilitation committee on 30 August for resistance fighters who have lost limbs.

The committee aims to cooperate with relevant organizations to provide vocational training, opportunities for further education and access to employment.

Social and Humanitarian Developments

Floods and landslides hit Launglon Township

Continuous heavy rainfall has caused flooding and landslides in villages in Launglon Township, Dawei District, Tanintharyi Region.

According to local residents, dozens of people were missing and emergency rescue assistance was needed. Simultaneous flooding and landslides have also disrupted transportation and complicated rescue operations, increasing humanitarian needs in communities already affected by armed conflict.

Concerns over land ownership around Yangon

Public concern has increased following reports and notices that villages in Hlegu, Mingaladon and Hmawbi townships in Yangon Region could face demolition.

The issue has raised concerns particularly over land plots sold without formal authorization and highlights the importance of verifying documentation and legal ownership when purchasing property.

Economy, Natural Resources and Technology

China tightens controls over rare-earth exports

China’s policy toward rare-earth exports appears to be shifting toward tighter regulatory controls rather than an outright ban, including licensing requirements, end-use verification and national-security considerations.

As rare-earth minerals are critical to electric vehicles, advanced machinery and technology manufacturing, tighter controls could have implications for global trade and technological competition.

US-China competition expands into AI and critical technologies

Competition between the United States and China over artificial intelligence, robotics and other critical technologies is increasingly extending beyond the technology sector into economics and the wider international balance of power.

Access to natural resources, technological manufacturing capacity and supply chains are consequently becoming increasingly important elements of international competition.

Gwadar and geopolitical competition

China’s efforts to connect Xinjiang with the Arabian Sea through the Gwadar project and associated trade corridors illustrate the extent to which major infrastructure and trade projects depend on regional political and security conditions.

The success of such corridors depends not only on infrastructure development but also on stability and security along the territories through which they pass.

Ukrainian drone attack disrupts Russian oil refinery

A Ukrainian drone attack forced the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in Russia’s Rostov region to suspend operations, according to the regional governor.

The incident highlights how drone warfare is increasingly affecting energy infrastructure in addition to conventional military targets.

Thailand and Regional Developments

Flooding continues across Thailand

Heavy rainfall continued to cause widespread flooding across Thailand, with conditions worsening in Chanthaburi Province. Eight districts were affected, the flood warning level was raised from yellow to red, and two deaths were reported.

In Bangkok, floodwater at the Bang Kapi intersection reached approximately 1.3 metres at 10 a.m. on 27 September, and authorities warned motorists not to drive through flooded roads.

However, Kasetsart University water-resources expert Assistant Professor Sitang Pilailar said Bangkok’s flooding appeared to be stabilizing and was not expected to deteriorate significantly. More than 100 millimetres of rainfall had been recorded over the previous 24 hours in several areas, including Bang Na, Bang Kapi, Bang Bua, Bang Khen, Chatuchak, Lat Phrao and Don Mueang, causing canals to overflow.

Floods disrupt Thai Asian Games teams

Thailand’s flooding also affected sports. Members of Thailand’s national wrestling, golf and rugby teams travelling to the 2026 Asian Games experienced approximately eight hours of delays after flooding at the airport prevented their luggage and sporting equipment from being loaded.

Flooding affects Bangkok detention facilities

Flooding also affected buildings at Lat Yao Prison in Chatuchak District and the Min Buri detention facility.

Authorities said pumps were operating continuously, sandbags had been deployed and necessary supplies were being transported. They said detainees remained safe and that adequate food, drinking water and sanitation were available.

International Developments

Taiwan defeats China in Asian Games baseball

Taiwan, competing as Chinese Taipei, defeated China 5–1 in baseball at the 2026 Asian Games to secure the bronze medal.

Although the Taiwanese team did not advance to the gold-medal match, the victory over China enabled it to finish the competition in third place.

War increasingly affects energy infrastructure

The continuing Russia-Ukraine war is increasingly extending to attacks on energy infrastructure. The suspension of operations at a Russian oil refinery following a Ukrainian drone attack again demonstrates the connection between energy supply and military security.