Myanmar Vice President Van Thio Resigns Citing Health Reasons

Myanmar's Vice President Van Thio has resigned from his position due to health concerns, according to an announcement from the government. Van Thio, who also served as the chairman of the National Disaster Management Committee, submitted his resignation letter to the country's president.

The resignation comes amid the ongoing political upheaval in Myanmar following the military coup in February 2021. Van Thio's departure marks the latest high-profile resignation from the government since the coup took place. No further details were provided regarding the specific health issues that led to his decision to step down.

Van Thio was appointed to the vice president position by the military junta after they seized power in the 2021 coup. The military had left him in the role, seemingly in an attempt to maintain a facade of legitimacy for their rule. However, his resignation now raises questions about the stability and cohesion within the military-led government.

Why this matters: The resignation of Vice President Van Thio highlights the ongoing turmoil and instability in Myanmar since the military coup in 2021. It underscores the challenges faced by the military junta in maintaining control and legitimacy as high-level officials continue to depart from the government.

The resignation also comes amidst other developments in Myanmar. The failure of deputy junta leader Soe Win to attend a recent cabinet meeting in Naypyitaw on April 22 has fueled speculation about his fate, with rumors circulating that he may have been injured in a drone attack. Meanwhile, the Kachin Independence Army and its allies have taken control of all roads leading into the valuable jade mining region in Kachin State, and clashes have erupted between the ethnic armed group and the Myanmar military in Thandwe Township, home to the popular tourist destination of Ngapali Beach. The Pa-O Youth Organization has also reported that 11 children have been killed by junta airstrikes and shelling since fighting intensified in January.

As Myanmar continues to grapple with political instability, armed conflicts, and human rights concerns, the resignation of Vice President Van Thio adds another layer of uncertainty to the country's future. The international community remains watchful of developments in Myanmar, with calls for a return to democratic rule and an end to violence against civilians.

Key Takeaways

• Myanmar VP Van Thio resigns due to health concerns amid political upheaval.
• Van Thio's departure raises questions about stability in military-led government.
• Rumors of deputy junta leader Soe Win's injury in drone attack, clashes continue.
• Ethnic armed groups gain control of roads in Kachin State, children killed in airstrikes.
• Resignation adds to uncertainty in Myanmar as international calls for democratic rule persist.