The Myanmar junta has replaced the Security and Border Affairs Minister for Tanintharyi Region,
appointing Colonel Thein Zaw Myint to the position, according to junta-controlled newspapers published on 30 October.
He succeeds Colonel Min Min Latt, marking the fourth change to the post since the junta seized power in February 2021. Previous holders of the position include Colonel Thein Lin and Colonel Thet Soe.
Analysts said the reshuffle reflects the increasingly volatile situation in Tanintharyi Region, where clashes between junta forces and resistance groups have intensified this year.
“This year, in 2025, the junta has been significantly increasing its troop deployments in Tanintharyi.
Previously, they believed the revolutionary forces there were weak. But the resistance forces are now operating more strategically, conducting guerrilla attacks and tactical manoeuvres,” said Saw Dar Ko, Operation Commander from Tactics 33.
He added that junta troops are now facing counterattacks in unexpected areas.
“The Maung Ma Kan police station is very close to Launglon town, where the resistance has become active. The junta fears the town may soon come under attack,” he said.
Reports indicate that the outgoing minister, Colonel Min Min Latt, has transitioned into a civilian role and plans to contest the upcoming election to being organized by the junta as a candidate for the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) under the proportional representation system in Tanintharyi Region Constituency No. 1.
“To prepare for the election, they’re appointing trusted individuals to political positions. Hundreds of officers perhaps as many as 500, have already left the army, changed into civilian dress, and are being nominated as candidates across the country. This seems to be part of the junta’s two-faced tactic to maintain power,” Saw Dar Ko added.
Fighting between junta troops and resistance forces has intensified in Tanintharyi, Thayetchaung,
Launglon, Yebyu, and Palaw townships in recent weeks. The junta has launched ground operations and stepped up aerial bombardments, drone strikes, and artillery shelling to regain control ahead of its planned election.
According to the Karen National Union (KNU) Brigade 4 in its Myeik-Dawei District, the junta carried out artillery and aerial attacks between 26 and 29 October on Ma Zaw, Lay Mile, and Maw Tone villages in Myeik Township, and Kwuan Inn and Thein Khun villages in Tanintharyi Township.
Local research group FE5 Tanintharyi reported that the number of displaced civilians in the region had reached 80,800 by the end of September, amid escalating conflict between junta forces and allied revolutionary groups.
