Dozens of young men were forcibly recruited for military service in Dawei and its surrounding areas during the first two weeks of May, highlighting that the junta’s forced conscription continues unabated despite its shift toward a civilian-clothed appearance.

According to residents and travelers, the junta’s military recruitment teams began seizing young and middle-aged men around 1:00 PM on May 14 at Dawei’s 7th Street, the Pauk Taing checkpoint, and the Kamyawkin Bridge inspection gate.

A local woman who witnessed the situation around 3:00 PM on May 14 stated that she saw over ten young and middle-aged men being detained at the Pauk Taing and Kamyawkin Bridge checkpoints.

Similarly, on the evening of May 13, junta forces conducted inspections of travelers along the Dawei riverfront (Strand Road), recruiting several young and middle-aged men for military service, according to some residents.

Furthermore, locals reported that on May 9, youths were also seized and recruited for military service at 7th Street in Dawei New Town and the Kamyawkin Bridge. Residents noted that dozens of men were forcibly conscripted across both the 9th and 13th of May.

One local woman described how youths were arrested during nighttime raids on homes in Dawei on May 12.

“They searched the house once and didn’t take him. Then they came back for another search and took him away immediately. He is now inside 401 [Light Infantry Battalion 401],” she said.

Based on local accounts, at least 20 young and middle-aged men were forcibly recruited during the first two weeks of May alone.

According to residents, the junta has intensified day-and-night inspections throughout Dawei following the shooting of the Sanchi Ward Administrator and two family members on May 9. At night, they have begun conducting guest list inspections at hotels, guesthouses, and hostels.

Locals stated that the junta began the practice of recruiting for military service through nighttime home raids as far back as July 2025, with dozens of youths being conscripted in this manner every month.

According to the families of those affected, those recruited are held at Light Infantry Battalion 401, under the 8th Military Operations Command based in the Thapyay Chaung military cantonment in Dawei. Every month, groups of 20 to 50 recruits are transported by navy ship to Myeik to undergo military training.

Since April 2024, the junta’s military service summons has reached its 24th batch as of this past April.

According to documentary photos released by the junta, 120 young men from the Tanintharyi Region were recruited for Military Service Batch 24 last April. Currently, the junta is still actively gathering personnel for Batch 25.