According to the security public opinion report released by Hanwei International, a total of 125 representative security incidents of various types were recorded in Myanmar in August, 32 fewer than in July. These security incidents resulted in 237 deaths and 176 injuries. Among the categorized security incidents, armed conflicts and air strikes were the primary types, with most incidents occurring in Shan State, Kachin State, and other regions.

Hanwei International analyzed that after months of intense seesaw battles, the Myanmar government forces recently launched a strategic two-front offensive in Kachin State, conducting high-intensity military operations simultaneously against the two major fortresses of Bhamo and Singkaling Hkamti. Multi-source battlefield intelligence shows that relying on the advantages of drone coordinated operations and logistical support, the government forces have actually taken control of more than 60% of Bhamo and cut off the linkage channels of the insurgent armed groups, marking a major breakthrough in the national unification campaign. From the perspective of statistical data, the number of security incidents decreased compared with the previous month, while the death toll increased and the number of injuries decreased. The rise in the death toll is mainly due to the increase in fatalities caused by armed conflicts.

The Trump administration has recently been reviewing "proposals and plans to reduce the monopoly of Myanmar's Kachin State rare earths by neighboring countries and their transshipment to the United States". The plans under discussion include: (1) Obtaining Myanmar's rare earths through engagement with the military government; (2) Acquiring rare earths by directly cooperating with ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) such as the Kachin Independence Army (KIA). It is possible that Trump may adjust his policy towards Myanmar due to his interest in the country's rare earth resources.

Starting from August 17, an ASEAN envoy delegation led by Mr. Erywan Yusof, a senior Malaysian diplomat, visited Naypyidaw, the capital of Myanmar. However, the Press Office of Myanmar's National Security and Peace Committee (NSPPC) did not release any reports on this visit.

At a press conference on August 19, Mao Ning, Spokesperson of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that Myanmar's general election is Myanmar's internal affair. She emphasized that China will continue to engage with all parties in Myanmar, promote political reconciliation through dialogue within the framework of the constitution and laws, and safeguard Myanmar's long-term interests. China is participating in peace coordination in northern Myanmar and playing a role in the dialogue between some ethnic minority armed groups and the Myanmar military. China expressed its willingness to continue providing support for Myanmar's peace process, dialogue, and consultation.

According to information from Myanmar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Myanmar's Ambassador to Thailand, Zau Sso, paid a visit to Ekachai Pintaruchi, Permanent Secretary of Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs on August 20. The two sides held talks on bilateral relations and border cooperation, during which they conducted in-depth discussions on topics such as strengthening Myanmar-Thailand bilateral relations, maintaining border peace and stability, promoting border trade development, and future cooperation directions. Meanwhile, to curb illegal trade, the Myanmar government has temporarily closed the Second Myanmar-Thailand Friendship Bridge since August 18.

On August 12, in war-torn Kayah State, the Myanmar authorities demonstrated and explained the use of the Electronic Voting Machine (MEVM) to local residents, with over 300 local people coming to learn. It seems that the Myanmar military's year-end election is inevitable.

On the same day (August 12), Ba Thaw Saw Hla Tun, Chairman of the Karen National Union (KNU) – an ethnic armed organization, stated: "If the Myanmar military's election succeeds, it will be an acknowledgment of the legitimacy of the 2008 Constitution. Therefore, we will definitely prevent this election from taking place!"

At a meeting held on August 12, the Chairman of the National Security and Peace Committee (NSPPC) said: "During the election period, terrorists will do everything possible to disrupt election activities. Therefore, both civil servants and ordinary people may be subject to terrorist attacks, and even be slandered as 'dalan (traitors)' and killed! Therefore, we must attach great importance to security work during the election period, and everyone must remain highly vigilant."

At a press conference held in Yangon on August 14, attended by leaders of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) and other political parties, U Khin Yi, Chairman of the USDP, responded to reporters' questions about election security as follows: "The security issue regarding the upcoming election is not a major concern! The security situation will never deteriorate, and everyone can carry out election activities on a large scale."

The Union Election Commission (UEC) of Myanmar issued Announcement No. 55/2025 on August 18, 2025, stating: "Sunday, December 28, 2025 (which corresponds to the 10th day of Pyatho Month, 1387 Myanmar Era) is designated as the start date of the first phase of the national election. The schedules for other phases of the election will be announced successively." – Signed and released by U Thein Soe, Chairman of the Union Election Commission of Myanmar.

On August 21, the Union Election Commission of Myanmar officially launched the application process for overseas citizens to vote in the general election, which fully demonstrates the country's firm determination to safeguard the democratic rights of all citizens and promote the legitimacy and inclusiveness of the election process.

Export-oriented industries have shown strong resilience, while industries dependent on domestic demand, such as the construction sector, are mired in difficulties. The domestic financial market (gold and US dollar sectors) has continued to cool down, and the construction industry – one of the most important local industries – remains in a state of "deep freeze" under multiple pressures.

According to data provided by the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration (DICA) of Myanmar, in the first four months of the current fiscal year (2025-2026, i.e., from April to July), Myanmar's total foreign direct investment (FDI) reached US$118 million. During these four months, Myanmar approved a total of 26 new foreign-invested projects with a total investment of US$106 million. In addition, the amount of additional investment in existing projects also reached US$12.408 million.

According to data released by the Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF), during the period from April to July of the 2025-2026 fiscal year, Myanmar's rice and broken rice exports achieved outstanding results, with an export volume exceeding 840,000 tons and foreign exchange earnings of US$290 million. To help achieve export targets and promote the development of export business, Myanmar's Ministry of Commerce is taking active actions to cooperate with the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI), the Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF), the Myanmar Pulses, Beans and Sesame Seeds Merchants Association, the Myanmar Garment Manufacturers Association (MGMA), the Myanmar Industries Association, the Myanmar Rubber Plantation and Production Association, and the Myanmar Fishery Products Processors and Exporters Association. Joint efforts are being made to achieve monthly export targets and promote the overall growth of export business.

The latest data from the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration (DICA) shows that in the first four months of the 2025-2026 fiscal year (April to July 2025), Myanmar's total foreign direct investment (FDI) reached US$118 million. Among this, 26 new foreign-invested projects were approved with a total investment of US$106 million, and an additional US$12.408 million was invested in existing projects.

It is reported that during the first three months of Myanmar's current fiscal year (2025-2026, i.e., April to June 2025), the export revenue of the garment industry reached US$1,217,448,000, an increase of US$171,347,000 compared with the same period last year. As one of Myanmar's major foreign exchange-earning export sectors, the garment industry accounts for a large proportion of commodity trade and has maintained a growing trend.

According to reports from the Burmese-language media (VOM), at around 8:00 a.m. on August 2, the western part of Mogok City in Mandalay Region – an area referred to as the 4th Brigade of De'ang State by the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) – was hit by an airstrike again. Fighter jets dropped two 250-pound bombs on Ga U Dam Ward and Aung Thu Kha Ward, resulting in 12 deaths and 14 injuries.

Between August 4 and 5, the peaceful residential area in Hpakant Town, Kachin State of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, was subjected to deliberate and indiscriminate shelling by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) – an illegal armed organization – and the so-called People's Defense Force (PDF). This heinous terrorist attack directly caused the tragic death of two innocent female students at school and seriously injured three other minor students, plunging the entire country into sorrow.

On the night of August 10, parts of the headquarters area of the Karen National Union (KNU) – an ethnic armed organization – were bombed in an airstrike by the Myanmar military air force using Y-12 aircraft. Local residents reported that approximately 20 bombs were dropped, and the fierce fire illuminated the night sky. Another source claimed that the Myanmar military air force launched a bombing attack on the funeral of a member of the PDF (People's Defense Force, an anti-military armed group) in a village in Thabeikkyin Township, Mandalay Region, leaving the site in a state of chaos. The airstrike resulted in 11 deaths and 40 injuries, and it is said that the Myanmar military used drones to carry out the attack.

According to news on August 18, due to the all-dimensional land, sea, and air offensive launched by the Myanmar National Defense Force, the Arakan Army (AA) – an ethnic armed organization in Rakhine State – had to abandon two villages in Kyaukpyu Township. Reports also stated that three innocent civilians were killed and five others were injured due to drone bombings by the Myanmar military. Recently, the Myanmar military has used advanced drones to launch attacks on many battlefields, such as Muse, Hsingkaling, Mandalay Region, and Bhamo, Kachin State. Now, drone bombing technology has also been deployed in Rakhine State.

According to local sources, an armed conflict broke out near Kyingyin Village on the Mandalay-Myitkyina Highway in northern Myanmar on August 23, where local armed organizations exchanged fire with security forces. The clash resulted in the death of two truck drivers who were hit by bullets and injuries to one woman.

Official health survey data shows that July and August – during the rainy season – are the peak period for dengue fever virus transmission, with the highest infection risk throughout the year. According to the latest statistical data from Myanmar's Ministry of Health, between January 1 and July 19 this year, Myanmar reported 5,066 dengue fever cases, including 26 deaths. The current death toll this year is almost 9 times that of the same period last year.

Hanwei International recommends the following preventive measures: