Rehmonnya Institute of Civic Engagement
1.Chaungzon Coal Project Background and Current Status
Following the military coup, a coal project has been implemented in Mon State, between Drayel and Kalaw villages in Chaungzon Township, by the Border Affairs Ministry under the coup regime since 2023. Starting in June 2024, hundreds of acres of land were purchased for the project.
The Mon Unity Party (MUP), the political party of the Mon people, will participate in the upcoming (2025) election to be held by the Myanmar military junta. On November 20th, the Mon Unity Party’s election policy positions were broadcast on Myanmar Radio and Television (MRTV), which is controlled by the military junta, and were also reposted on the party’s official social media page.
Mon In the period following the military coup, Mon State transitioned its fuel distribution system from Yangon (Thilawa Port) to Puma International Port Terminal (Yaza Min Port) in Mudon Township, in a decentralized import approach.[1] This system change, coupled with insufficient fuel supplies, illegal exports to border areas, and administrative weaknesses, has led to fuel shortages and price increases. Despite the military council’s Ministry of Energy stating that it would distribute fuel at affordable prices, the complete lack of effective oversight on the ground and the delay in implementing even the State Chief Minister’s directives for up to two weeks[2] highlight a significant decline in administrative efficiency.
The political crisis in Myanmar continues to be a major issue challenging the unity and centrality of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), a regional organization. A review of international responses between October 21 and November 19, 2025, particularly the actions of ASEAN and its member states, reveals that the Myanmar issue remains an important topic on the ASEAN agenda. This paper will analyze and present ASEAN’s collective decisions regarding the Myanmar issue, the individual positions of member states such as Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines, and the response of the State Administration Council.
