Arakan Army Records Video Testimonies From Thant Shauk Kan Residents

Arakan Now | 21 August 2025

On 20 August 2025, high-level representatives of the Arakan Army (AA), accompanied by many media personnel, visited Kaung Daung Village, where some survivors from Thant Shauk Kan Village had been brought from Sin Daung and other areas.

During the visit, the AA reportedly held a large gathering with local residents and provided a beef meal. Afterwards, villagers from Thant Shauk Kan were interviewed and recorded in front of the media. Local sources allege that residents were pressured to publicly accuse the Myanmar military (SAC) of carrying out the Thant Shauk Kan massacre on 2 May 2024, while denying any involvement by the AA.

A local resident said, “This is clearly propaganda. The AA is using food and intimidation to make us say things that cover up their crimes against the Rohingya. We have no choice but to comply under AA authority.”

The move comes after recent weeks brought renewed evidence suggesting AA involvement in the Thant Shauk Kan killings. With international attention increasing, analysts say the staged media event appears designed to shift blame and manipulate the narrative surrounding the massacre.

The situation has raised concerns among human rights observers, who warn that such coercion undermines accountability and obstructs the truth about the atrocities.