Myanmar: Heightened security in Yangon for Thingyan festival April 14-16

Event

A heightened security presence is expected in Yangon during the Mahar Thingyan festival, celebrated April 14-16. Police are expected to carry out patrols around business pavilions, and some 1200 officers are expected to be deployed to facilitate the flow of traffic on major thoroughfares and intersections. An additional 4000 officers are to be deployed to provide security in crowded areas, including pavilions.

Notably, the festivities will include events at Yangon City Hall, Maha Bandula Park, Kandawgyi Myay Padaythar Garden, U Oattama Park (Kan Taw Min Park) and Thakhin Mya Park. Additionally, water-playing pavilions and entertainment pavilions have been authorized to be erected in Wayzayandar Parami, Maha Bandula Park, Merchant Road, Mindama Road, No.1 Industrial Road, Pazundaung Road, Kyaik Waing Road, Pyay Road, University Avenue Road, Thanthumar Road, and Kyimyindaing (Strand Road). A heightened security presence and traffic congestion, potentially resulting in transportation disruptions, are expected in Yangon during the festival.

Context

Thingyan - the Burmese New Year Festival - and related celebrations take place annually for three to five days in mid-April, culminating with the New Year. Revelers typically splash each other with water during the ceremonies.

During the four days of related celebrations in 2017, some 285 associated deaths and over 1000 injuries were reported across the country. Moreover, police levied around 1200 charges against revelers participating in water festival activities, according to the Burmese Ministry of Home Affairs.

Advice

Individuals in Myanmar, particularly in Yangon, are advised to avoid all gatherings and demonstrations as a precaution and to adhere to all advice issued by the local authorities.