After the arrest of Ashin Sanda Zawti, a monk from the Thathana Nwe Foundation based at Zetawon Monastery in Taung Wine Ward, Mawlamyine, his disciples have also fled and gone into hiding, according to local residents.
The military commission announced that Monk Ashin Sanda Zawti has been charged under Section 505(a) of the Penal Code (Case No. (Pa) 270/2025, opened at Mawlamyine Township Police Station) for allegedly inciting and spreading propaganda on social media with the intention of disrupting national stability and peace.
During the raid, authorities also took two disciples from inside the monastery and opened cases against them. The remaining disciples are also in hiding, fearing arrest at any time, according to a person close to the monk.
“The other disciples are on the run. We heard they have crossed into Thailand. One fled on the day of the arrest, and the other escaped about two days after the detention,” the person said.
It is reported that the two disciples arrested with the monk are currently being held at Mawlamyine Township Police Station, facing charges.
Ashin Sanda Zawti was arrested on November 27 after posting online about the ongoing demolition in Mawlamyine’s Taung Wine area and issues involving the auctioning, transfer of ownership, and renaming of Thathana (religious) lands belonging to Zetawon Monastery.
It is said that the monk has now been defrocked and transferred from Mawlamyine Township Police Station to Kyaikmaraw Prison, where he is still being interrogated.
“The accusations against him are quite extensive, so the case won’t be concluded quickly. They are still investigating. He’s currently being interrogated at Kyaikmaraw Prison. We don’t yet know what will happen next,” the source added.
Ashin Sandazaoti is the leader of the Thathana Nwe Foundation and has been actively supporting youth education, social welfare, and various disaster relief and rescue efforts.
The military commission has confiscated five vehicles, three motorcycles, phones, computers, and other related equipment from the monastery. They have also sealed off Thathana Wuntha Hall and the Thathana Nwe Foundation building.
According to data from the Myanmar Internet Project (MIP), the military commission—which monitors the public both through technology-based surveillance and manpower on the ground and online—has arrested 47 people over the past three months for expressing themselves freely online.
Among those arrested are men, women, monks, and even minors.
