When the people are the enemy: Why Myanmar’s resistance is not giving up

After more than five years of fighting, the will to defeat a regime that routinely targets civilians is as strong as ever

Phil ThorntonJuly 24, 2026

A narrow boat fights against the flooded waters of the Moei River, which separates Thailand and Myanmar. The driver battles the fast-flowing, coffee-coloured waters until he expertly catches a current that sweeps his boat to a landing spot on the Myanmar side.

The sound of distant explosions forms a constant backdrop to the river sounds. Heavy monsoon rain beats down—plastic ponchos and dense jungle foliage offer little protection against the deluge, which turns the sloping riverbank into mud.

Despite the slippery conditions, a human chain forms to pass bundles of tarpaulin, plastic-wrapped boxes, and bags of clothing from the boat to a waiting pickup truck. The boxed supplies contain medicine, baby formula, cloth nappies, mosquito nets, and floor mats designated for a nearby displaced people’s camp, Plaw Ta Poh.

The camp sits exposed on flat ground at the edge of the river. It is home to 2,049 residents who were recently driven from their villages by junta airstrikes, drones, and ground artillery.

The heavy rainstorm batters the rows of tarpaulin-roofed huts and drowns out the sound of children chanting lessons back to their teacher. The Moei River—its waters swollen with rain and stained with topsoil washed off the mountains—flows past dangerously fast.

The rows of camp huts currently being built are basic. Tarpaulin is wrapped around six rough, hand-cut timber poles that make up the three-metre living quarters. Three horizontal poles link and add strength to the six uprights. To stop the heavy monsoon downpours from pooling and collapsing the roof, a small peak is constructed to slope the tarpaulin on both sides. Each small hut will house a family of at least six people.

Naw Phaw Lwei, a former midwife and the current camp leader, says the camp’s residents are grateful for the housing and support they receive, but they live in constant fear.

“All the people here were bombed out of their villages and came with nothing but what they could carry.”