More than 300 journalists have received direct support through the BNN Asia Myanmar Press Freedom Initiative, launched one year ago to assist independent reporters operating under extreme repression. Based in Thailand, the initiative continues to expand its assistance to Myanmar journalists both inside the country and in exile, providing essential equipment, professional training, and safety support.
The protection of Myanmar’s independent media has become increasingly urgent as the military junta intensifies its crackdown ahead of the December 2025 general election — a process widely criticised by experts and international observers as lacking credibility.
Since the 2021 military coup, Myanmar’s ruling authorities have carried out severe repression against journalists and press freedom defenders. Multiple media professionals have been killed, and more than 200 journalists have been detained in recent years, with dozens still behind bars. Internet shutdowns, censorship directives, and restrictive legislation have further curtailed access to information.
In response to these escalating threats, the BNN Asia Myanmar Press Freedom Initiative has delivered specialised training to more than 210 journalists over the past year. Training programmes have focused on investigative reporting, conflict-zone safety, digital security, and psychological resilience. In addition, over 140 journalists have received critical equipment such as laptops, mobile devices, solar batteries, charging stations, and communication tools necessary for operating in unstable environments.
In total, 349 journalists have benefited from the programme within its first year, and the initiative continues to grow.
The project operates from neighbouring Thailand, which hosts hundreds of exiled Myanmar journalists and media outlets who were forced to flee due to ongoing repression. Originally established in Chiang Mai, the initiative expanded in July 2025 to a second hub in Mae Sot, a border city that provides safer access for exiled reporters and those travelling in and out of Myanmar.
The new hub offers journalists access to professional-grade cameras, editing facilities, secure communication tools, and technical support. It also supports independent radio broadcasting efforts aimed at reaching communities inside Myanmar, particularly in areas where independent reporting is severely restricted.
BNN Asia emphasises that safeguarding independent journalism in Myanmar is essential to countering disinformation and ensuring that factual reporting continues despite repression. In environments where state-controlled narratives dominate, independent journalists play a crucial role in documenting realities on the ground.
Myanmar currently ranks among the lowest countries globally in press freedom assessments and remains one of the world’s leading jailers of journalists.
BNN Asia will continue expanding its support to Myanmar journalists and advocating for the protection of media professionals working under extreme risk.