News analysis

Myanmar jade mine tragedy linked to larger political roadblocks

Migrant miners live next to a jade mine near Hpakant in Kachin state. PHOTO: AFP
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

BANGKOK - Landslides happen with grim regularity in Myanmar's jade mines, yet the latest one on July 2, which left more than 170 people dead, was particularly shocking.

With Myanmar's next general election due on Nov 8 this year, the disaster is mirroring the malaise still afflicting the country, five years after a civilian government was swept to power.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.