Nay Pyi Taw, April 28, 2025 —Myanmar authorities have repatriated 255 foreign nationals involved in online scams and gambling operations, according to an official announcement. The individuals had illegally entered the country through border routes and committed criminal activities in Myawaddy Township, particularly in Min Let Pan, Met Htaut Thalay, and Kyauk Khet areas.

The repatriation was conducted via the Myanmar–Thailand Friendship Bridge No. 2, in accordance with humanitarian principles, international cooperation, and legal procedures. Three additional foreign nationals were also newly identified and detained during ongoing investigations.

Earlier in the day, the Karen State Minister for Social Affairs convened a coordination meeting with departmental officials to ensure that personal data, supporting documents, and repatriation procedures were complete and compliant with legal standards.

Following the meeting, a formal handover ceremony was held, attended by officials from Myanmar, relevant foreign embassies, and Thailand’s immigration authorities. Myanmar officials officially transferred custody of the repatriated individuals to representatives of the respective countries.

Separately, three Indonesian nationals attempting to enter Myanmar illegally through unauthorized routes in the KK Park area of Myawaddy Township were apprehended.

From January 30 to April 28, 2025, a total of 9,043 foreign nationals who entered Myanmar illegally have been detained. Of these, 7,567 individuals have been repatriated through Thailand to their home countries, while 1,475 remain in custody pending repatriation.

The detained nationals originate from countries including China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Pakistan, India, Uganda, Ethiopia, Nepal, Thailand, Rwanda, Kenya, Kazakhstan, Cambodia, Ghana, Bangladesh, Japan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Tunisia, Algeria, Congo, Cameroon, Uzbekistan, Nigeria, Kyrgyzstan, Namibia, Madagascar, Romania, Liberia, Russia, the Philippines, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Burundi, and Chinese Taipei.

Authorities affirmed that efforts to identify and repatriate foreign nationals entering Myanmar illegally will continue through close interagency cooperation.

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NAY PYI TAW, April 28, 2025 —In honor of the monks, nuns, and civilians who lost their lives in the major earthquake that struck on March 28, offering alms to monks and merit-sharing ceremonies were held across the earthquake-affected regions of Myanmar to mark the one-month anniversary.

At the ceremony held in Nay Pyi Taw, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Administration Council and Prime Minister, attended and participated in the merit-sharing activities. Together with the attending senior monks, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and high-ranking senior officials viewed a documentary presentation depicting the impact of the Mandalay earthquake.

Following the screening, the Chairman of the State Administration Council, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and his wife, Vice Chairman of the State Administration Council, Vice Senior General Soe Win and his wife, along with other Union-level officials, respectfully presented offerings to the senior monks.

After listening to Dhamma sermons delivered by the senior monks, the ceremony continued with merit-sharing rites, including the pouring of water of dedication in memory of the monks, nuns, and civilians who perished as a result of the Mandalay earthquake. It was also reported that offering of day meals (daytime alms) to the senior monks was performed as part of the event.

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YANGON, April 27, 2025 — Authorities in Myanmar have taken legal action against 62 shops accused of excessively inflating the prices of construction materials during the country’s earthquake recovery efforts.

Following the devastating earthquake, reconstruction activities have begun across affected areas. In response to widespread complaints of surging prices, responsible agencies summoned importers, distributors, and retailers of construction materials between April 5 and 12, warning them against unjustified price hikes and stockpiling with intent to manipulate the market. Businesses were required to sign formal pledges committing to fair pricing practices, according to a statement issued by the State Administration Council (SAC).

Despite these measures, some business owners continued to sell construction materials at exorbitant rates. Field inspections revealed that 62 shops were profiting excessively from the crisis, prompting authorities to initiate legal proceedings against them.

Officials urged vendors of construction materials, foodstuffs, and consumer goods not to exploit the public's hardship by raising prices unfairly. They also encouraged citizens to report any incidents of unjustified price increases to the relevant administrative bodies for further action.

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Nay Pyi Taw, 27 April 2025

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Administration Council and Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, has called for greater efforts to further enhance the quality and performance of military weapons and equipment to meet the demands of the battlefield.

Speaking at the ceremony marking the Diamond Jubilee (75th Anniversary) of the Defence Industries Corps in Naypyitaw on April 26, the Senior General emphasized that the production of military equipment must go beyond existing standards to achieve excellence across all sectors.

“The Defence Industries Corps emerged together with Myanmar’s independence and has consistently played a vital role throughout history in safeguarding the independence and sovereignty of the Tatmadaw,” he said.

According to an official statement issued by the State Administration Council, the Defence Industries Corps was systematically formed on April 26, 1950, and the date has been commemorated annually as Defence Industries Corps Day.

The event highlighted the Corps' historic contributions to national defence and its ongoing role in strengthening the country’s self-reliant military capability.

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Nay Pyi Taw, 25 April 2025 - The State Administration Council (SAC) has announced that 32 members of the People’s Defense Force (PDF) have re-entered the legal fold as of April 25. The information was released by the SAC’s press team in an official statement.

According to the release, the individuals—30 males and 2 females—originated from various regions of Myanmar, including Mandalay Region, Sagaing Region, Yangon Region, and Shan State.

A responsible official briefed the group on the relevant legal provisions concerning regional peace and stability. The explanation emphasized the importance of upholding law and order within their communities.

Following the discussion, the returnees voluntarily surrendered the weapons and ammunition they had carried to representatives of the Myanmar Tatmadaw (military).

Authorities subsequently provided financial assistance to the individuals and arranged for them to be reunited with their families.

The move is part of the government’s broader efforts to encourage reintegration and stability amid ongoing conflict in parts of the country.

-ymg/knl

25 April 2025

🔥 Tariff Escalation Timeline

• Feb 1: U.S. imposes a 10% blanket tariff on all Chinese imports.
• Mar 3: Tariffs increase to 20%.
• Apr 2: Tariffs rise to 54%.
• Apr 9: Tariffs escalate to 125%.
• Apr 10: Tariffs peak at 145%.    

In response, China imposes:

• Apr 11: 125% tariffs on U.S. goods.

📊 Trade Impact

• U.S. Imports from China: Projected to shrink by 40%.
• Global Container Shipping: Expected 1% decline due to U.S. trade policies.
• U.S. Trade Deficit with China (Jan–Feb 2025): $52.9 billion. 

💸 Economic Consequences

• Average U.S. Household Cost: Tariffs amount to an average tax increase of $1,243 per household in 2025.
• Corporate Earnings: Major firms like Procter & Gamble and PepsiCo have revised earnings forecasts downward due to tariff impacts.
• Consumer Prices: Prices for goods from retailers like Shein and Temu could rise by up to 125%.  

🛠️ Strategic Responses

            China’s Measures:

• Bolstering unemployment insurance and raising incomes.
• Considering lifting tariffs on select U.S. imports like semiconductors.

            U.S. Considerations:

• Potentially reducing tariffs to 50–65% to ease tensions. 

Source : Various News Sources