Junta navy activities halt fishing in Thandwe

By Admin 22 Jan 2026

DMG Newsroom

22 January 2026, Thandwe

Fishing activities in Thandwe Township have come to a halt due to Myanmar Navy operations in coastal waters and the arrest of local residents, according to locals.

As a result, fishermen are facing growing difficulties in earning a livelihood.

On January 18, six locals and four fishing boats from Jeittaw Ward in Ngapali Town were arrested at sea by the Myanmar Navy.

Among those detained, Ko Moe Kyaw Aung, Ko Maung Soe Kyaw, Ko Aung Min Lwin, and Ko La Pyae remain in military custody. Ko Aung Kyaw Htun is missing, while Ko Kyaw Zan Phyo has been released.

“Locals are no longer fishing and are relying on other daily jobs. Fishermen usually go out to sea from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., so it has become very difficult to make a living,” said a Thandwe resident.

Although Thandwe Township is currently under the control of the Arakan Army (AA), residents say Myanmar Navy warships continue to operate in nearby waters, disrupting livelihoods.

Fishing in Thandwe’s coastal waters was suspended in November 2023 due to fighting in Arakan State. After the Arakan Army took control of the area, a small number of locals resumed near-shore fishing to survive. However, recent arrests by the military regime have again brought all fishing activities to a stop, residents said.

“Food prices are skyrocketing. Most groceries have to be brought in from northern Arakan State, which makes them more expensive, while vegetables are cheaper,” said another local man.

The Arakan Army seized control of Thandwe on September 5, 2024. Since then, Myanmar Navy vessels have frequently patrolled the area and fired artillery shells, resulting in civilian casualties.

Residents say the military regime continues to harass and destroy areas controlled by the Arakan Army through air and naval attacks.

According to a DMG tally, at least 140 civilians have been killed by airstrikes, artillery shelling, and small arms fire since fighting broke out in Thandwe Township in April 2024.