A large influx of people fleeing from nearby areas where there is fighting into Mon State’s Thanbyuzayat Town has caused a sudden increase in property and rental prices, according to locals.

Since late September there has been almost daily fighting between the junta and resistance forces in Thanbyuzayat Township and the adjacent areas of neighbouring Kyainseikgyi Township in Karen State. People from those areas escaping the fighting have fled to Tanbyuzayat Town and the extra demand for accommodation has caused property prices and rents to soar in the town.

For example, a house that previously cost 50,000 MMK a month to rent in Thanbyuzayat Town now costs 150,000 MMK. According to a tenant, rents in some areas of the town are now three times more expensive than previously, though the amount of the increase depends on the location and condition of a property.

This has led to some tenants now facing difficulties in paying their rents as their landlords are also increasing rents in response to the rental rises.

The price of a 40x60 ft plot has doubled, rising from around 50 million MMK to 100 million MMK. Similarly, house prices have nearly tripled on average, compared to their previous rates.

Fighting along the border between Kyainseikgyi and Thanbyuzayat townships and in other nearby areas has forced about 6,000 people to flee from about 20 villages. These include the villages of Ahnankwin, Lutshan, Zeehnitpin, Sakhangyi, and Payawhae.