The military junta’s reimplementation of the conscription law has reportedly created a steady revenue stream for local administrators and those tasked with managing conscription in Mon State, according to local sources.
Residents in Chaungzon, Mudon, and Ye Townships are being required to pay monthly or per-training fees ranging from 10,000 to 40,000 kyats under the pretext of supporting conscripts and their families.
Despite these payments, locals say they have no transparency about how the funds are distributed or used, as only the conscription officials and village administrators control this information.
“This law has essentially legalized the collection of money from residents by these officials. They use these funds as they please. Everyone here knows it has become a lucrative business for them,” said a Chaungzon resident.
Residents added that money is collected house-to-house or through group elders, often under pressure, leaving families with little choice but to comply despite financial hardship.
In Thanbyuzayat Township, the recruitment process is reportedly overseen by officers from the Weakali military training school, who demand payments ranging from 2 million to 4 million kyats per village weekly.
“Our village pays 3 million kyats every week for this training. After handing over the money, they find the trainees themselves, but it’s clear they’re exploiting the situation for profit,” said a local source.
Reports indicate that these conscription efforts, along with the financial extortion, are widespread in junta-controlled areas, including Chaungzon, Mawlamyine, Thanbyuzayat, and Ye Townships. Similar practices have also been reported in Mandalay and Tanintharyi Regions, where administrators demand payments from residents under the guise of supporting conscripts’ families.
