Hardships such as shortages of food and work are forcing residents of Thandwe Township in Arakan State to move to the townships of Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw, and Rathedaung in northern Arakan State.

Hundreds of people displaced (IDPs) from Thandwe Township have relocated to relatives' homes and IDP camps in northern Arakan State.

A woman who was displaced from Singaung Village who recently arrived at the Saetipyin IDP camp in Rathedaung Township said: “We’ve seen more people coming from Thandwe lately because of the livelihood crisis. In this camp, many of the new arrivals, including me, are from Singaung Village [in Thandwe Township]. Most of us don’t have enough food or basic supplies, so those who were already here are doing what they can to help.”

After the AA launched its offensive in Thandwe Township, on 13 April 2024, many residents fled the township. Since the AA took full control of Thandwe Township in September 2024 some of the displaced have returned to the township. But, according to locals, around 20,000 people remain displaced and yet have to return due to the hardships they would currently face if they did. They included people who fled the famous beach resort of Ngapali in Thandwe Township.

Though the AA is now in complete control of Thandwe Township, junta naval vessels remain moored off the Thandwe Township coast. Because of this fishermen from the township are too scared to put out to sea, meaning that they cannot earn a living. Other job opportunities are also scarce in Thandwe Township, making it hard for the inhabitants there to survive.

A woman displaced from Ngapali in Thandwe Township who is currently sheltering in a village in Kyauktaw Township said: “My family moved here because life in my hometown got so much harder. Right now, I run a small shop. It’s not very profitable yet, but honestly, compared to how things were in Thandwe, I feel like things are a bit more manageable here.”