Episode #347: In the first part of this three-part series, three distinct yet intersecting voices reveal the human, political, and structural toll of the Myanmar crisis—and the inadequacy of ASEAN’s current response.

Charles Santiago, a veteran Malaysian politician and currently the chair of the Asean Parliamentarians for Human Rights, delivers a scathing critique of ASEAN’s “process-driven” stagnation in contrast to Indonesia’s proactive diplomacy. He argues that poverty and inequality—rooted in global economic systems—have eroded democratic values and enabled authoritarianism across the region. But Santiago sees a window of opportunity in Myanmar’s growing political unity, bottom-up federalist movements, and inclusive leadership, especially among women. He calls for ASEAN to formally recognize the National Unity Government (NUG), insist on a ceasefire and the release of political prisoners, and be prepared to downgrade Myanmar’s standing if these conditions aren’t met. His warnings are stark: the collapse of state functions has regional implications, from scam centers and arms proliferation to epidemic threats, and ASEAN’s failure to respond decisively risks its own irrelevance.

Tisana Choonhavan, a Thai MP and APHR member, brings the crisis to the border. Working with refugee education programs and advocating for exploited migrants in Mae Sot, she outlines the systemic abuse faced by political exiles who cannot legally register or work in Thailand. Choonhavan pushes for police reform, work permits through the pink card system, and refugee recognition—moves that would enhance both humanitarian outcomes and Thai national interests amid its aging population. She notes the tragic contradiction of Thailand denying a war exists while harboring tens of thousands fleeing that exact reality.

Aung Paw Moe, a young exile activist and former political prisoner, adds a quiet but powerful moral voice. Reflecting on his imprisonment and lost academic aspirations, he asserts that activism was never a choice—it was a duty. He calls on his peers to endure this historical moment with clarity and resolve, seeing it not as an aberration, but as a necessary transformation.

Episode #346: Mark Farmaner, Director of Burma Campaign UK, reflects on Myanmar’s multiple crises and shares his multi-decade relationship with the country. Initially engaged through public demonstrations, Farmaner’s work evolved into policy-oriented advocacy aimed at cutting off the military’s power through sanctions, revenue disruption, and denial of legitimacy. He criticizes international strategies rooted in the false hope of military reform, arguing that any compromise with the military only delays future unrest.

Two early focal points of advocacy—Aung San Suu Kyi and British business ties to the junta—have lost their power. Suu Kyi’s reputation declined following the Rohingya crisis, and Farmaner argues that her Bamar-Buddhist-majority outlook has alienated ethnic minorities. And international advocacy has fragmented as humanitarian emergencies divert civil society resources.

Despite setbacks, Farmaner detects unprecedented hope among resistance actors envisioning a future without the military. He argues Myanmar’s future lies in decentralized governance, where ethnic forces maintain regional control. He questions whether the NUG can form a central authority, especially given their lack of territorial control and strained relationships with some ethnic groups.

Farmaner calls for cutting arms and revenue to the military, demanding justice, and expanding humanitarian aid. He warns that reduced aid empowers the junta, which exploits crises like the recent earthquake to regain international legitimacy. Still, in spite of the overall lack of foreign assistance, local, grassroots, Burmese responses have been inspiring, and he urges allies to pressure elected officials directly in support.

Farmaner concludes optimistically: “I think it’s inevitable that the people of Burma will win their freedom.”

The host of Insight Myanmar was invited to speak on the Light Forest Podcast.

Here is a description of this platform:

"The Light Forest podcast is a journey of exploration to bring more Light into how we live and regenerate our planet away from 'Dark Forest' systems of extraction and fear. Join me for conversations with change makers from around the world, as we explore philosophies, technology, spirituality, and history that can help us get to the root of our global problems. Together we learn how to play our part in the regeneration of our planet, starting with our own minds, to create a Light Forest world."

The following description is added for this interview:

"We get into some of the deep contradictions that run through Buddhism in Burma & policy making: How a country that sought to center around Vipassana and meditation became one of the most violent places? We learn the ways Buddhist practices such as Vipassanā and mettā, and other principles are helping leaders in resistance groups, forming a “non-violent” movement as a path to peace and reconciliation."