By Crystal / MPA
More than 77,200 displaced people in Tanintharyi Region are in urgent need of medical supplies, including oral rehydration salts for the elderly and children, according to the FE5 Tanintharyi group.
Thousands have fled their homes in Tanintharyi Region due to ongoing armed clashes and airstrikes. The FE5 Tanintharyi group compiled displacement data in January 2025 and released its findings on Friday.
“Displacement numbers are rising, but donations are dwindling, making the situation dire,” an editor from FE5 Tanintharyi explained.
“Food shortages are a major issue. With summer approaching, dehydration is a growing concern, and there is an urgent need for medicines—especially for diarrhea, oral rehydration salts, and medications for hypertension and diabetes for the elderly.”
Junta forces launched military operations in January to secure trade routes and deep-sea ports, triggering clashes, airstrikes, naval attacks, arson, civilian arrests, and killings. As a result, more people have been forced to flee.
“In Tanintharyi, we couldn’t separately count the number of women, children, and elderly among the displaced, but most are elderly and children,” the editor added.
“This is why medical assistance is so critical.”
Since February 17, a junta column of about 200 troops has advanced into villages east of Dawei, forcing nearly 1,000 residents from Ye Aing, Pa Daing Chaung, Khaung Taing Pyin, Pa Khat Inn, Kin Kone, and Yae Waing to flee to nearby areas.
“These villagers are still displaced. The junta column remains in the area, preventing their return,” an official from the Tanintharyi Military Region noted.
“The situation is tense. We, the People’s Defense Forces, are doing our best to protect civilians, but in some areas, we are outnumbered. We apologize for this and urge civilians to avoid junta troops whenever possible.”
The official added that the People’s Defense Forces continue efforts to block and intercept junta troop movements.
A local resistance fighter in Dawei highlighted the ongoing threat, stating, “In Yae Hpyu, junta troops frequently launch operations, and locals have learned where to flee when they advance. I urge aid groups operating under the ‘displacement’ banner to work effectively on the ground, not just for show. Some only arrive after the fighting ends, when civilians have already returned.”
Many displaced people in Tanintharyi have been struggling with severe food shortages and worsening conditions, having gone months without aid.
According to FE5 Tanintharyi, the suspension of USAID support has further strained relief efforts, making it even harder to deliver aid.
Junta forces have also burned down villages, leaving some civilians permanently displaced with no homes to return to, forcing them to settle in safer areas.
FE5 Tanintharyi reported a steady increase in displacement since the 2021 coup: 20,000 in January 2023, 59,000 in January 2024, and 77,200 in January 2025.
